Richard Lee “Smitty” Smith, 74, Fredonia, formerly of Neodesha and Topeka, died Monday, August 20, 2012 at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita. He was born August 5, 1938, the son of Kenneth M. and Helen Leona Wood Smith. Smitty was a 1957 graduate of Highland Park High School in Topeka. He served in the United States Navy, 1959-1963. Smitty’s employment included Prestige Cabinets in Neodesha and helping to build several casinos in Las Vegas.

In 1965 in Topeka, Smitty was united in marriage to Elaine M. VanMatre. They were later divorced.

Smitty is survived by a daughter, Laurel Hare, Neodesha; a sister, Donna Clinton, Topeka; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His infant son, Todd Lee Smith, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, August 24 at Timmons Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at the Topeka Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Smitty’s name with Fredonia Regional Healthcare Foundation and contributions may be sent to Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736. Words of condolence for the family may be sent to www.timmonsfuneralhome.com