Wylie R. Smith

Wylie R. Smith, 92, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. He was born in Protection, KS on November 13, 1926, to Erma (Carpenter) and Leroy Smith. He graduated from Southwestern College of Winfield, KS with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and in the Industrial Arts. He was an All American and inducted to the Southwestern College Hall of Fame for having received Letterman's in four different sports. On September 3, 1960, in Las Vegas, NE he married the love of his life, Frances Louise Evans. Wylie served in the U.S. Navy during W.W.II, he then became a reservist until the Korean War began and he was called back into active service. He left the military as a Machinist 3rd Class MM3. He then worked at Boeing as an Engineer for 36 years before retiring. Wylie was very active in the community, he was a 32nd Mason, was a Shriner, he sang in the Boeing Straddle Singers and the Shrine Singers while they were in the Wichita area. He volunteered as a crossing guard for the schools. He also was the Director of the Boeing Girls and Boys Baseball team, was one of the founders and served as President and Board Member for the Boeing Employee Association. He also Coached and Played for the Naval Crew Despac Basketball team. He was so active that he received the National Award Education for Volunteer Service to Middle School Children in Hesston, KS. He was a member of Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church in Topeka, Serving as an Elder and Deacon, and also coaching their Basketball Team. Wylie is survived by His Wife Louise of Topeka, KS, his two daughters, Shelley (Kirk) Dunham, of Council Grove; and Rendi (Kevin) Kersting, of Topeka, KS; his Grandchildren, Ashley Dunham, Of Olathe, KS, Taylor Dunham of Topeka, KS, Lindsey(John) Douglas of Overland Park, CJ (Leslie) Reser, of Topeka, Kyle (Candace) Kersting of Topeka, and his Great Grand Children, Porter Douglas, of Overland Park, Laurel, Cooper and Hunter Reser of Topeka. He is preceded in death by his parents, and by all of his brothers and sisters. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at Susanna Wesley United Methodist, 7433 SW 29th Street, Topeka, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Shriners Children Hospital or The Boys and Girls Club of Topeka.