Donald Corbin Smiuth, age 80, of Howard, Kansas, passed away on July 5, 2026 at the Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, Kansas. He was born in rural Elk County, Kansas on May 25, 1946, the son of Kenneth Owen and Pauline (Corbin) Smith.
Don was a graduate of Howard High School with the Class of 1964. On August 22, 1966, he joined the United States Navy and traveled throughout the world, serving three tours until receiving his honorable discharge. Upon his return, Don began working for Cessna in Wichita, Kansas and worked there for the next 40+ years until his retirement.
Don was a member of the American Legion Carter-Rader Post #0149 of Howard, Kansas. He enjoyed going camping, fishing, hunting, ship reunions, and watching rodeos. He was an avid sports fan, especially KU and the KC Chiefs, and he loved spending time visiting with people. He enjoyed making bets with folks and was eager to share his advice with others. Most importantly, Don loved spending time with his family, especially during the Christmas season. His most memorable time has been the past 25 years spent with Christy.
Including Christy Tyler, Don is survived by his daughter, Steffanie (Denny) Comer of Clearwater, Kansas; stepchildren, Kenny (Miranda)Tyler of Derby, Kansas, Billy (Paxton) Tyler of Howard, Kansas, and Heather (Ben) Houchin of Howard, Kansas; 12 grandchildren, Daylen, Kenzie, Alivia, Axten, Atlas, Kayla, Keaton, Kynlee, Cora, Beau, Mae, and Marilyn Kay; nieces and nephews, Lonnie (Ruth), Kyle (Tabitha), Melissa, Brandi, Hope, Paula, Owen, Laynee, Haden, Kevin, Michele, Tiffany, Zach, Aiden, Cody, and Danielle (Jon). Don was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Pauline Smith; his sister, Paula (Bill) Lanning; his brother, Ronald "Ron" (Carol) Smith; niece, Rhonda; mother-in-law, Ruth Watts; and brother-in-law, Tom Watts.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas with visitation being held one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow at Cresco Cemetery, Highway 99 and Rock Road, north of Howard, Kansas. Memorials have been suggested to the Donald C Smith Memorial as the family wishes to purchase benches to place downtown where people can sit and visit. These may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com. Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349 has been entrusted with arrangements.
(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)