Steven Lynn Smith

Steven Lynn Smith, 67, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at his home north of Reading.He was a retired electrician and Navy veteran.

Steve was born Oct. 21, 1956, in Emporia, the son of Bobby and Dixie (Turner) Smith. He married Janet "Lynn" (Dutton) Smith on Jan. 23, 1976.

He is survived by his wife; daughter Stephanie Bachert (Kevin), Reading; son Sherman Smith (Jessica Tufts), Lawrence; sister Linda Smith, Donaldson, Arkansas; brother Larry Smith, Emporia; brother Ernie Smith, Eureka; and granddaughter Julie Brady, Seattle.

He was preceded in death by brother Robert “Snubby” Smith Jr.

Steve served in the Navy from 1973-1975. As a member of IBEW Local Union 226, he was an executive board member and a delegate to the Topeka Federation of Labor. He retired in 2021.  He volunteered for organizations including American Legion Post 124, IBEW Local 226, Pioneer Bluffs, Heartland Shares, Dollars Against Diabetes, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, and the Girl Scout Council of the Flint Hills.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Jan. 27 at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home in Emporia.  Immediately following the service will be an informal reception at the Sauder Community Center in Madison until 4 p.m.

Steve was instrumental in the creation of the Madison Military Museum and Education Center. It will be open for tours from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Jan. 27.

If inclement weather on Jan. 27, check robertsblue.com for updates.

The family asks you to consider doing an act of volunteerism in honor of Steve. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 124 or your favorite nonprofit and sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, 605 State Street, Emporia, Kansas, 6680