Jack Smades Obituary

Larned – Jack D. Smades, 89, went to his heavenly home August 30, 2024 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned.
He was born December 22, 1934, in Tribune, Kansas, the son of Bob and Helen Kean Smades. Jack grew up in rural Leoti, KS, and for a short time in Wichita, KS, during the war. Jack became a Larned resident in 1960 where he owned My Barber Shop in downtown Larned. In 1973, he moved his family back to Leoti to help his Dad farm. After striking up an interest in A&Ws through a close friend in Larned, he learned of an A&W for sale in Leoti and this became his new passion. Shortly after purchasing the A&W, he renamed it Jack's Restaurant & Drive-In where he proudly served the residents of Leoti and those passing through town, but especially enjoyed serving the many teenagers who walked across the street from the schools to hang out and enjoy a quick meal. In 1981, he was approached about becoming a Farm Bureau Insurance agent and thus began a long and rewarding career in the industry, serving clients in Leoti, Hill City and Larned. Jack and Lois enjoyed many friendships throughout his insurance career and had the opportunity to take several trips that provided many life-long memories.
Jack was always quick with a smile and friendly greeting or hug. He never knew a stranger and was never ashamed to share his faith in Jesus Christ.
He was an Army Veteran, member of the Larned United Methodist Church, Larned Jaycees, 4-H Club, Larned Optimist Club, Larned Noon Lions Club, Larned Rotary Club, Larned Indians Booster Club, Bread of Life Walk to Emmaus, Friday Morning Prayer Group and PFAC Committee at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. He was an avid sports fan of the Larned Indians, Kansas State Wildcats and Royals. He loved yardwork, spending time with family and an occasional round of golf. He was a Quilts of Honor Recipient and never missed a NJCAA basketball tournament for many years.
On April 8, 1956 he married Lois J. Glanville at the Pleasant Valley Church of Wichita County, Kansas. She survives.
Other survivors include: three daughters; Dana (Joe) Hammeke, Belpre, KS, Jan Smades, Larned, KS., Leigh Anne (Mike) Seeman, Larned, KS., one sister; Noreen Walk, Leoti, KS. and Eleven grandchildren; Doug (Mecia) Luebbers, Tim (Jennifer) Luebbers, Ryan Luebbers, Stephani (Adam) Hughes, Madison (Darien) Blackwill, Brooke (Ben) Parkin, Robert McCullough, Anna (Alex) Firth, Tyler (Bailey) Stelter, Megan Stelter, Jack Stelter and fourteen great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, one son, Gary Dean Smades and two grandchildren, Nathan McCullough and Nicholas McCullough
Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the Larned United Methodist Church with Rev. Angela Defisher and Pastor Ryan Webster Presiding. Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Beulah Cemetery, Leoti, KS. Visitation will be 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Wednesday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Memorials may be given to the Noon Lions Club Scholarship Fund, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS. 67550. Personal Condolences may be left at wwwbeckwithmortuary.com
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