Melvin “Pete” Smith

Melvin “Pete” Smith 93, died, December 30, 2022 at his home in Elbing, Kansas.

He was married to Dorothy Hale Smith and she survives of the home.  They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by their children and grandchildren on December 27, just days before his passing.  Together they attended Emmaus Mennonite Church in Whitewater, Kansas. 

Born and raised in Arapaho, OK, Pete joined the U.S. Army at age 18 and served 22 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. He served in the Korean War in the guided missile program. Following his military career, he owned Good News Realty in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While living in Colorado Springs he was active with the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International. 

After retiring from real estate, he bought a small farm in rural Newton and moved his family to Kansas, where he resided for the past 41 years.  He managed the Feed Store in Brainerd for many years, found great satisfaction in operating his cow-calf herd and was the beef leader for North Butler 4-H club.

His greatest joy was His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was eager to share with others the way God changed his life and how God could change their life if they would put their trust in Him.  He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his loving family and friends, especially going to athletic events to cheer for his kids and grandkids.  

Pete is survived by his wife Dorothy, sons Dwight (Angie) Smith, Patrick (Jeffery) Smith, Joel (Parrish) Smith, and Josh (Kayla) Smith. Daughters Gloria (Stephen) Dee. Teresa Marie and Mindy (Charles) Kreml. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son Philip Smith, and five sisters.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2022 at Emmaus Mennonite Church, rural Whitewater, Kansas. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Emmaus Mennonite Church with the family receiving friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Private family interment with military honors will be in the Hillside Cemetery Sedgwick, Kansas. 

Memorials may be made to Berean Academy or Heartland Pregnancy Care Center and left with Petersen Funeral Home.