Steven Smith 1952-2023

Steven John “Smitty” Smith, 70, of Mayetta, passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at Topeka VA Medical Center, with family by his side.

He was born Nov. 22, 1952, in Holton, the son of Lowell “Emmett” and Lucille Mary (Dillner) Smith.

Smitty attended Denison High School and graduated from Mayetta High School in 1970. He attended a few years at Highland Community College. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era from 1972 to 1977.

He was a true cowboy, jockey and trained many horses for Norman Hamm. Smitty was proud of the four trips he made on the backroads and once by himself riding horseback from Mayetta to Cheyenne, Wyo. He also sold insurance and later operated Plan S Massage Therapy in Mayetta.

He was a member of Holton VFW Post 1367 and a lifetime member of ABATE.

Survivors include his companion and best friend, Catherine A. “Cathy” Montgomery of Mayetta; two sisters, Sharon Bukacek (Don) of Mayetta and Shirley Perry (Don) of Goff; five nieces, Brandy Moten (Kevin) of Hoyt, Angie McDaniel (Jason) of Oskaloosa, Jennifer Dent (Mark) of Paola, Lisa Cronkite (Ralph) of Holton and Melissa Beauchamp (JimBob) of Mayetta; seven great-nieces; five great-nephews; two great-great-nieces; three great-great-nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Lucille Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Burial with Air Force military Honors will follow the funeral at South Cedar Cemetery. Smitty will lie in state Wednesday afternoon and Thursday until 6 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Steven “Smitty” Smith Memorial Fund (to be designated at a later date), sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)