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BORN
1926
DIED
2016
Emory Smith Obituary
Emory grew up in Hartford, Kansas, graduating with the Hartford High School class of 1944. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Second World War. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Emory began a long and successful career as a businessman. For over 30 years he owned and operated Long's Inc., a clothing store in Dodge City, Kansas. During this time he was an active civic leader; a member of the Chamber of Commerce, serving as the 1990 President of the Board, and a board member of the Dodge City Roundup Committee.
Throughout his life, Emory enjoyed many activities with family and friends, including RV camping, boating, motorcycle riding and traveling. Emory married Emma Jo Kreger in 1991, and they enjoyed 20 years of active retirement in Estes Park, Colorado and Mesa, Arizona. In 2012, Emory moved to Overland Park, Kansas and enjoyed an independent and active four years at Rose Estates Assisted Living Community. While his passing was unexpected, he was blessed to be healthy and active right up until his date of passing.
Emory was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, sister Evelyn Sterbenz, and his beloved wife, Emma Jo.
Emory is survived by his son Ron (Trina) Smith of Phoenix, AZ and daughters Kimberly (Kelly) Dubbert of Overland Park, KS and Traci Bellamy of Prairie Village, KS. Through his union with Emma Jo, he added four children to his family: Rhonda Whiteside of Eudora, KS, Rita (Leon) Oerline of Abilene, TX, Lisa McVaugh of Dodge City, KS, and Scott (Sally) Kreger of Jetmore, KS. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. And his much adored dog, Molly.
An inurnment service with military honors will be held at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, Fort Dodge, KS on June 17 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Rocky Mountain Conservancy at https://rmconservancy.org/product/donation/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
June 16, 2016
Dear Smirh family,
My father moved to Rose Estates last fall and one of the first people I met was your father. His smiling face and friendly disposition meant the world to us. I will miss seeing your dad holding court outside in a lawn chair or inside in the lobby. I wish you peace during this difficult time and will hold you all in prayer as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kind regards.
Ann Kressin
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Bob Berry
June 16, 2016
Emory represents the epitome of the American success story. From the old family farm during the depression eta to great individual success in all areas of life. Plus a WW2 veteran...wow!
I knew Emory as the father of my best friend. He was a man with great expectations of those around him and he wasn't shy about speaking them. His enfluences on my young life helped me to gain traction, work hard and press to succeed.
In later years he was never to busy to meet with me on random visits to his Long's store. He would take me to his office and we would sit and talk. It was kind of him to take that time.
HE was a gentleman, he was honest, kind and fair. He succeeded in all of life's traditional quests and probably others I never learned about.
We should all live such a full wonderful life as he. Im glad and was made better for having known him. I look forward to meeting again in that great big Long's store in the heavens.
June 15, 2016
Emory was a good friend to many in Estes Park where I knew him from. We shared many evenings on the deck with Emma Jo and friends. Once he moved back to Kansas he would continue to call me every couple weeks,right up to his passing. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a passion for building unique projects. Farewell Emory I am happy to be among your friends. See you on the other side. Will
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