2 April 1926 - 28 April 2012
HAVILAND - Smitherman, David Franklin Jr., went to his heavenly reward on
Saturday, April 28, 2012 at South Wind Hospice House in Pratt, KS. He
was born to David and Lyda (Kendall) Smitherman April 2, 1926 in the
farm house north of Haviland, KS where he lived most of his 86 years.
He attended Haviland Grade School and Friends Haviland Academy,
graduating in 1944. On August 31, 1947 he married Ruth McNichols from
Burr Oak, KS. To this union were born Linda Clarkson (husband Terry) of
Pratt; Sandy Skinner (husband Gary) of Hugoton; and Dwight Smitherman
(wife Debbie) of Haviland. After 48 years of happiness together Ruth
slowly developed Alzheimers and spent the last five years in a care
facility. She passed away September 18, 2001. The following three years
were spent alone, semi-retired from the farm, with occasional trips to
their winter home in Yuma, AZ which they had enjoyed together for many
years. On August 14, 2004, he married Barbara (Plank) Hecht. She
survives of the home. Besides his three children, he is survived by 7
grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Step-children are Marsha
Wright of Colby, Roland Hecht (wife Janet) of Overland Park, KS, Sonya
Wilson (husband Kevin) of Chesapeake, VA, and Darin Hecht (wife
Jennifer) of Wichita, also 7 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great
grandchildren. David was preceded in death by his parents and a brother
Charlton. His livelihood consisted of farming, dairying, operating a
television sales/service business, and bringing cable TV to the
community. He will be remembered for his Christian faith, generosity,
and numerous leadership roles. David was an active member of the
Haviland Friends Church, serving in many positions throughout his life.
He was Clerk of Mid-America Yearly Meeting of Friends, served numerous
years on the Barclay College Board of Trustees and as Chairman for many
of those years. He was a member of the Kiowa County Hospital Board, and
many other organizations that profited from his leadership. Being a
pilot, he was active in Kansas as well as International Flying Farmers,
attending many conventions and serving in many capacities. Funeral
services and celebration of David's life will be Wednesday, May 2, at
2:00 PM at the Haviland Friends Church with Dr. David Robinson, Pastor
Donnie Hinshaw, and Rev. Merl Kinser officiating. Burial will follow at
the Haviland Cemetery. Viewing will take place from 5:00-7:00 PM
Tuesday, May 1, at the Haviland Friends Church, Haviland, KS. Memorial
gifts may be given to the Haviland Friends Church, Barclay College, or
South Wind Hospice of Pratt in care of Fleener Funeral Home, 514 S.
Main St., Greensburg, KS, 67054.