John Howard Smith

John “Howie” Howard Smith, 78, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. John was the oldest son of Lewis C. Smith, Sr. and Betty Lou Smith. After high school, John enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. John met his first wife, Lanelle F. Smith, and together they had four children: Tim, Tom, Tina, and Tonya. They shared 25 years of marriage until her passing from cancer on May 27, 1995. During that season of his life, John also served in the National Guard Armory. Later, John found love again and married Cynthia Smith. Through this marriage, he was blessed with four stepchildren: Robin, Beth, Crystal, and Paul. John and Cynthia shared 28 years of marriage until her passing on April 1, 2025. John worked for Turner School District for over 30 years before retiring. In his younger days, he loved camping with his family, especially with his mother. He also enjoyed serving as a Cub Scout leader, something that brought him great joy. John loved fishing, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and spending time in his workshop, where he could build beautiful furniture and create just about anything out of wood. He had a true gift for woodworking. Another hobby he enjoyed was making homemade beer. Above all, John loved his family. He especially treasured his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were truly his whole world. He was the kind of dad and papa who was a hero to many. If he was ever hard on someone, it was only because he wanted them to live right and do well in life. John was never afraid to speak his mind. He was outgoing, funny, caring, and deeply loving. He was truly a wonderful father and papa. John also loved to travel. Although health problems slowed him down for a time, this past year he was able to enjoy trips to Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and even a cruise. Those memories meant so much to him. John was a member of Nexus Church of Lenexa. He loved attending church whenever he was able, and when he could not attend in person, he faithfully watched services live on his phone. He especially lit up when his great-grandchildren would run to him at church and give him hugs. Through every season of life, including the hardest ones, John held tightly to his faith in the Lord. John was preceded in death by his father, Lewis C. Smith, Sr.; his mother, Betty Lou Smith; his brother, baby George; his first wife, Lanelle F. Smith; his second wife, Cynthia Smith; his stepson, Paul Smith; his grandson, Austin Smith; and his granddaughter, Rita Yanez. He is survived by his children, Timothy Smith, Tommy Smith, Tina Padilla, and Tonya Yanez; his stepchildren, Robin Cordry, Beth Salazar, and Crystal Lipp; his brother, Lewis C. Smith, Jr.; and his sister, Marinedda Dilts. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Jessica Torres, Tatiana Smith, Ruben Yanez, Ricardo Yanez, Johana Yanez, Kristina Canales, Renae Smith, Juan Smith, Lacie Smith, Zachary Cordry, Hannah Cordry, Kody Greenlund, Hunter Sutton, Jackson Ramirez, Chandler Lipp, Caden Lipp, and Cameron Lipp. John was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Johonn, Baileigh, Jake, Romeo, Leia, Scarlett, Meilani, Rinnon, Raylee, and Malaya. John will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his honesty, his talent, and most of all, the deep love he had for his family and for the Lord. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

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John Howard Smith

August 17, 1947 - March 19, 2026