Vernon Lee Smith

Vernon Lee Smith, 71, died Sunday, August 30, 2015 at his home in Dodge City. 

He was born October 3, 1943 at Dodge City, the son of Wade Brown and Wilma Mae (Denton) Smith. He was a lifetime Dodge City resident living a short time in California and Nebraska. He was a graduate of Dodge City High School and attended St. Mary of the Plains College where he played football. He worked in concrete construction and owned and operated the Office Club and Big Nasty’s both in Dodge City. He also drove and delivered cars for Lewis Toyota in Dodge City. 

He attended both the First Missionary Church in Dodge City and the Cowboy Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid golfer and was a past Mariah Hills Open Champion. 

Survivors include: 3 sons, Scott Smith, California, Vernon “Guy” Smith, Escondido, California and Anthony Beau Smith, California; best friend, Trista Hopkins, Dodge City; 3 brothers, Jim Smith and wife Pam, Vista, California, Tom Smith, Dodge City and Chad Smith and wife Chris, Dodge City; 3 sisters, Joyce Barnes and husband John, Irma Cox and Jackie McDowell and husband Bob all of Dodge City; and 3 grandchildren, Dillon Smith, Allison Smith and Mellisa Smith. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Stephen Smith, 2 brothers, Alvin Denton and Ray Smith and a sister, Joy “Boots” Hunter. 

Memorial services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Pastor Jeff Turner officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel. Cremation will follow the visitation. Private family burial will be at a later date. 

The family suggests memorials to the Vernon Smith Memorial Fund in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.