Curtis Tex Smith

Curtis Tex Smith, born October 6, 1945, left this world for Heaven on October 22, 2024, after a two month stay at Jane Phillips Hospital in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Curtis grew up in Middleburg, Virginia where he learned to ride horses and participated in fox hunts. At age 17, he joined the United States Army, serving two terms in Vietnam upon returning to the United States, attending college in Florida while running a landscaping business. After graduating, he returned to the Army, serving in Germany with a total of 30 years, including time as a paratrooper.

Moving to Independence, Kansas, Curtis thought he was going to Independence, Missouri. He asked his commanding officer, “Where is that?”, the answer was “Darn near Oklahoma”. He arrived in 1991 and met the love of his life, Marie, making Independence, Kansas his home. He loved to cook for others and with a twinkle in his eyes he always had a joke to tell.

He is survived by his wife Marie Chouinard Carpenter Smith of the home, two sisters Polly Smith and Sandra Jordan both of St. Joseph, Missouri, 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and also many nieces and nephews.

Curtis is preceded in death by his father Henry Smith, his mother Lyda Smith, three brothers, and one sister.

Arrangements are under the direction of Webb and Rodrick Chapel on November 8, 2024, at 1:00pm at the First Christian Church where we will gather to honor and celebrate his life. Curtis will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.