EUGENE SMITH

EUGENE FRANCIS SMITH ULYSSES, KAN. - Eugene Francis Smith, 80, died Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses. He was born December 10, 1943, in Leavenworth, Kan., the son of Carl R. and Belvera C. (Wilson) Smith. Gene attended Leavenworth Public Schools graduating from Leavenworth High School in 1962. He married Joan Louise Green on February 6, 1965, in Leavenworth. They had one daughter Christine Louise. His family was his first love and he enjoyed the times they spent together traveling, camping and game nights. Gene was retired from Ft. Leavenworth where he had been employed for 35 years. He worked in Building and Grounds and for the Department of Public Works where he received many commendations and awards during this time. Prior to this he worked five years for Montgomery Wards as a department manager. After retiring he worked 12 years at the airport as a contractor for Southwest Airlines as a screener, security guard and ticket validator. He had also worked at the Hollywood Theater, Balls Grocery Store and the Women's Community Y. Gene was always a hard worker as has been portrayed in his volunteer work to the Women's Community Y, the Girl Scouts and St. Casimir Church. Gene loved working with wood and has left many items of his craft to be remembered by. He even received a blue ribbon at the Kansas State Fair last fall. He was always happy when he could spend time in his workshop with tools and wood being crafted. He also loved being outside, boating, camping and traveling with his wife Joan, he had traveled to over 45 states, Mexico and Canada. He especially enjoyed time spent with family and grandchildren and was excited to learn of a great-granddaughter on the way. Retirement allowed Gene to volunteer at the C.W. Parker Carousel where he loved the history and the atmosphere. Gene is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Joan. Survivors include one daughter, Christine Mangels and husband Don of Ulysses; two grandchildren, Tyler Dean Mangels and Kayleigh of Tulsa, Okla., and Emily Louise Mangels of Wichita, Kan. Memorial services will be held in Leavenworth and will be announced in the spring of 2024. Local Arrangements have been entrusted to Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.