John Smith

John Raymond Smith 1917-2005 John Raymond Smith, 88, Coffeyville, passed away early Monday morning at his home in Coffeyville, Kansas. He was born July 25, 1917, in Yates Center, Kansas the son of Albert and Julia Kline Smith. He moved to Coffeyville in 1999 from Elgin, Kansas. John moved to Caney, Kansas in 1948. He owned and operated the Esquire Club until 1978 when he retired. After his retirement he moved to Elgin, Kansas with his wife Gwyneth. He was the Mayor of Elgin from 1989-1999. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville. He was a former member of St. Roberts Catholic Church in Sedan and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caney. He was an active member of the Democratic Party in Montgomery County. John graduated from Cathedral High School in Wichita, Kansas in 1935. He married Gwyneth September 27, 1944 at St. Theresas Catholic Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. She passed away in 1995. Other Survivors include: 1 Son James A. Tony Smith Lawrence, Kansas 1 Sister Mildred Scott Austin, Texas 4 Nephews and 2 Nieces He was preceded in death by his brother Charles A. Smith in 2001 and a sister Clara Smith in 1971. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 16, at the Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville with the Fr. Jerome Spexarth officiating. A graveside service will follow the service at 12:00 Noon at the Greenwood Cemetery in Sedan, Kansas. Mr. Smith will lie in state from 1-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Penwell-Gabel Ford-Wulf-Bruns Funeral Chapel. A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with a family visitation to follow. Memorial contributions may be given to the Holy Name Catholic Church left in care of the funeral home. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.penwellgabel.com