William Smith

William H. Smith, affectionately know as "Bill" or Bid", 72, of Galva and formerly of Medicine Lodge, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2013, at McPherson Hospital following a year-long, courageous battle with cancer

He was born September 12, 1940, in rural Barber County, KS to Donald P. and Edna (Garten) Smith. He attended school at Sun City, KS, graduating in 1958.

After being in the workforce for four years, Bill decided he wanted something better for his family so he enrolled at Fort Hays State University in 1964. Bill graduated from FHSU in 1968 and went to work for Geigy Chemical Company. After a few years, he went to work for Farmland Industries, retiring after 32 years.

On February 12, 1960, Bill was united in marriage to Marilyn S. McCullough in Medicine Lodge, KS. They have made Galva, KS their home since 1974.

Bill was a member of Galva United Methodist Church, McPherson County Council on Aging, President of the Board of Galva Senior Center, and was a former 4-H leader.

Survivors include: his wife, Marilyn of the home; three daughters, Connie Hollingsworth (Kent) of Canton, KS, Angie Smith (Billy) of McPherson, KS, and Mandy Burmeister (Kurt) of Wichita, KS; six grandchildren, Wesston Smith (fiancé, Amanda) of Luther, OK, Meghan Smith (fiancé, Reese) of Dodge City, KS, Cory Hollingsworth (Jaime) of Canton, KS, Kaity Hollingsworth of Canton, KS, and Grant and Graham Burmeister of Wichita, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Mikeal Alan, a grandson, Little Billy, a brother, Jim, and a niece, Lori Smith.

Two services and visitations will be held: The first service will be at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 16, at Galva United Methodist Church with Rev. Sharlan Graber officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at Stockham Family Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A second visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at Larrison Funeral Home in Medicine Lodge, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A graveside service will take place at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, July 17, at Highland Cemetery in Medicine Lodge, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Galva Senior Center or the American Cancer Society in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.