William E. "Bill" Smiley

William 'Bill' Earl Smiley, 89, passed away, January 16, 2026, at his residence in Hutchinson, KS. He was born November 23, 1936, in Hutchinson, KS, to Earl Warren and Dorothy Grace (Kennedy) Smiley.

After graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1954. Bill enlisted in the Naval Reserves, serving his country for 8 years. He also attended Hutchinson Community College and Wichita State University.

Bill was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. It was at this welcoming church, that Bill first met Bonnie. On December 21, 1957, Bill married Bonnie M. Kralicek, in the church, and shared over 68 years of marriage. This union brought four wonderful children into their lives.

At a young age, Bill helped his grandfather and father with the family farm, the same farm that he and Bonnie later built a home on, in 1972. Bill also worked at Cessna Fluid Power and retired after 33 years of service. During his retirement, Bill took over the livestock operation his father had started. He also served on several committees in his church, served on the Inman USD 448 school board for two terms, served as a trustee for the Little Valley Township, also for two terms, and as treasurer of the Inman Cemetery.

Bill is survived by: his loving wife, Bonnie Smiley of Hutchinson, KS; four children, Steven Smiley of Hutchinson, KS, Jeff (Jeane) Smiley of Minneapolis, MN, Jennifer (Ron) Willems of McPherson, KS, and Scott Smiley of Lenexa, KS; grandchildren, Chelsea (Alan) Tajchman of Manhattan, KS, and Hannah (Garrett) Higgins of Olathe, KS; step-grandchildren, Ethan Jantz of Chicago, IL, and Spencer Jantz of Lenexa, KS; and great-grandchildren, Hadleigh and Holland Higgins of Olathe, KS, and Hazel Tajchman of Manhattan, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place 10 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Elliott Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking here. The stream will begin at 9:50 a.m. the day of the service. A private family graveside will take place at Elmer Cemetery, Elmer, KS.

Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.