Wint Eugene "Gene" Smith

Wint Eugene "Gene" Smith, 81, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2022, at E.W. Thompson in Sedalia. He was born on February 08, 1941, in Kansas City, KS, the son of Ralph John Smith and Zella May (Logsdon) Smith, who preceded him in death.

Gene was raised in Kansas City, KS, graduating from Wyandotte High School.

In 1962 Gene attended a social gathering with his cousin Walt, where he met Sandy Ficken, who was attending the party with her best friend, Vicki Hall. This introduction would lead to a few years of dating and their marriage at Calvary Presbyterian Church on June 18, 1966. Gene and Sandy made their home in Lee’s Summit, MO, until 1973, when they moved to Sedalia, MO.

Gene served his nation in the U.S. Navy Reserves during the 60’s, learning the electrical trade. He began his career working for the Rock Island Railroad and American Can Company. For the heart of his working years, he was employed by General Motors, retiring after over 30 years of service. After retiring, he began working as a school bus and charter bus driver. His final chapter of employment was as a Sedalia school bus dispatcher.

Gene loved his family and gave them a better life than his own. Their son Russell Shawn “Rusty” Smith was born on January 14, 1971, at the Medical Center of Independence. Son Ryan Shane Smith was born on November 26, 1982, at Bothwell Hospital. As a dad, Gene coached sports teams, camped, boated, took his family on vacations, and at every opportunity, provided for his sons to excel and live a good life. His daughters-in-law joined the family as Rusty married Carla Lane on April 20, 2002, and Ryan married Lindsey Limbaugh on June 10, 2006. In addition, four grandchildren (Savanna, Carsten, Olivia & Avery) would keep his love flowing and gave him joy. Gene was a member of First United Methodist Church of Sedalia and a past member of New Bethel United Methodist Church of Sedalia.

He is survived by son Rusty Smith & his wife Carla of Sedalia; son Ryan Smith & his wife Lindsey of Lee’s Summit; grandchildren, Savanna & Carsten of Sedalia, and Olivia & Avery of Lee’s Summit; sister, Bonnie Rowland of Kansas City; sister-in-law, Nancy Gee of Fortuna; and many family members and friends in whom his legacy made a difference.

In addition to his wife and parents, Gene mourned the loss of a son during his wife's pregnancy in 1980. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Frances Smith; two brothers-in-law, Bob Gee and Bob Rowland; and his many beloved dogs. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at Rea Funeral Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 1, 2022, at the chapel.

Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO, with full military honors conducted by the United States Navy and Sedalia VFW Post 2591.

Pallbearers will be Carsten Smith, Hank Kronk, Dusty Morey, Clay Oswald, Chad Proctor, and Lawrence Sperry.

Honorary bearers will be Ray & Debbie Murray, Christopher Young, & Doyle Gerber. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a memorial bench to be placed at Katy Park playground, where he invested much time and love with his grandchildren.