Carl Craig Smoot's Obituary
Carl Craig Smoot, 86 of Fredonia, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2018 at Kansas Medical Center in Andover, KS. Carl was born on August 1, 1931 to Ralph and Elsie (Wicker) Smoot in LaVerne, OK. Carl joined the Army at 17, and was sent to Korea in June of 1950. Carl was a forward observer in communications. He laid lines to the front line of battle, carrying telephone and radios where he was wounded in combat. He recovered in a hospital in Japan before being sent home. Carl received the Purple Heart along with other medals for his acts of bravery and allegiance to his country. He received his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army on June 2, 1952.
He married LaVada Kimzey, August 30, 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Parsons, KS. Carl and La Vada lived in Wichita with their three sons Danny, Timmy and Jamey. They attended the Ark Valley Christian Church, where Carl was baptized into Christ on February 1, 1973. During this time, Carl was employed by the City of Wichita Fire Department as a Firefighter until he retired as a Lieutenant. In 1976, Carl and La Vada moved to Windsor, CO where Carl was employed by Kodak as a Fire Inspector. He retired from Kodak in 1987 and moved back to Wichita for 3 years before moving to Fredonia, KS in 1990.
Carl was a member of the Thanks Program and was instrumental in acquiring the present Fredonia Senior Citizens Building. He was a member of the Retired Firefighters Association in Wichita, KS, a member of VFW Post 3018 in Fredonia and a member of the Church of Christ in Fredonia.
As a Korean War Veteran, Carl was honored by being presented a Longton High School Diploma by Longton School Board. The diploma was dated back to the class of 1950 which would have been Carl's graduating date from Longton High School.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and step father Lester Gritz who raised him. Son: Jamey Craig Smoot and one Brother: Delbert Smoot. His wife, LaVada survives along with their two sons, Danny Carl Smoot and wife, Dr. Michelle Smoot of Peyton, CO. Timmy Eugene Smoot and Dena Smoot of Wichita, KS. Four Grandchildren, Timothy Smoot, Leasa (Kirk) Bidwell, Zachary (Natalie) Smoot, and Jamey (Abigail) Smoot. Five great grandchildren. A half brother, Bob Gritz of Topeka, KS and two half sisters: Barbara Bloomquist of California and Sherry Awdish of Colorado. Several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. A host of friends and loved ones.
Carl's family, friends and church were the center of his life. He enjoyed traveling, playing pool, fishing and beautifying his yard. His honest, trustworthiness and caring for others were well known. His great sense of humor, generosity and compassion for life will live in our hearts forever. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia, visitation will be held Friday, March 2, 2018 from 5-7 pm. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com Burial will follow at the Longton Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to either the Church of Christ in Fredonia or the Fredonia Public Library and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736
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