Orville Jerry Smith, 88, of Junction City, Kansas went to heaven on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Reflection Living in Wichita, Kansas.
A funeral service will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Rick Marrs and Pastor Tim McCall officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the funeral at Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Geary County 4-H, or Phoenix Home Care & Hospice of Wichita.
Jerry was born June 20, 1935, in Junction City, Kansas, the son of Orville and Ruth (Miller) Smith. After graduating from Junction City High School, he served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 and the Army Reserves from 1960 to 1964. On July 11, 1965, he married Marlene Ruth Rahe, in Salina, Kansas. They moved to Junction City, Kansas where they lived and worked for over 50 years.
Jerry spent his career working for United Telephone Systems. During his time at UTS, he held many different positions from climbing poles to technical support. He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Junction City, serving as elder and volunteering within the church and school. He supported the Geary County 4-H as a volunteer as well as volunteering as an election worker for Geary County. In his free time, Jerry was an avid supporter of Junction City High School athletics and attended games with Marlene whenever possible. He was also a loyal Kansas State fan, attending and watching games to cheer on his Wildcats as often as he could. Other favorite hobbies included working on his prized 1950 green Chevy pickup truck and whittling wood creations for friends and family. Above all, he was a loving husband and father, caring grandpa and great-grandpa, loyal friend, and faithful servant of the Lord
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Marlene; one daughter, Pat (Armin) Mock of Wichita, Kansas; two granddaughters, Heather Mock of Wichita, Kansas and Beth (Marc) Huff of Lincoln, Nebraska; one grandson, Jeremy (Mallory) Mock of Derby, Kansas; son-in-law Ernest Melcher of Thorndale, Texas; five great-grandsons; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Robert J. Smith; one daughter, Cindy Melcher; one brother, John "Jack" B. Smith.
Visitation: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church
Service: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church 630 S. Eisenhower Dr. Junction City, KS
Interment: Highland Cemetery, Junction City, Kansas