Earnest L. Smith

Earnest L. Smith, 72 died Friday, January 17, 2014 at his home in Garden City. He was born June 30, 1941 in Holly, Colorado the son of Henry & Lorena (Boardman) Smith. 
Earnest’s employment started at the age of 12 where he worked at Smith’s Department Store, Arnold’s Café, Ansel’s Manufacturing, Pheipher Motors, Champlin Gas Station, Woody’s Electric, and was a self employed hay operator all while he lived in Ulysses, Kansas. After moving to Garden City in 1981, he worked on site building the IBP Plant and was later an employee there. He later worked several years at Palmer Manufacturing in the Fiberglass and Welding departments. Earnest ended his working career being self employed in design and sales of metal and wood creations. He left his footprint on many hearts as he worked throughout southwest Kansas.

He married Karen Elliott of Ulysses, Kansas on May 29, 1961. Earnest later married Suzanne Messner Cunningham of Garden City on September 12, 1981. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Tami & husband Mike Salsbury of Ulysses, Kansas and Lynette & husband Marshal Mills of Ulysses, Kansas; a step-daughter, Kris & husband Monte Carr of Lakin, Kansas; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Earnest is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Aldon Smith, Bobby Smith, & Henry Smith; three sisters, Lorena Smith, DeEtta Williams, & Wanda Kreig; a step-son, Danny Cunningham; eight nephews and one niece.

Visitation: Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2014 at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City with Pastor Steve Ensz officiating.

Interment: Valley View Cemetery in Garden City.

The family request memorials given to the Finney County Humane Society or to St. Catherine Hospice both in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.