Richard E. “Dick” Smith, 95, died Feb. 7, 2026, at The Wesley, Hutchinson.
Dick was born Oct. 12, 1930, in Hutchinson, the son of Albert L. and Emma L. (Bohling) Smith.
He was a 1948 graduate of Hutchinson High School, 1950 graduate of Hutchinson Community College, and a 1952 graduate of Wichita State University.
Dick married Patricia Lawrence on Aug. 28, 1953, in Black Forest, Colorado. They shared over 72 years of marriage.
Known as generous and kind, he was a long-time Hutchinson area businessman, entrepreneur, DOER and a man of action. Dick will fondly be remembered as an innovator, leader, collaborator, team player, negotiator, mediator and believer.
He is survived by his wife, Pat of the home; daughters, Cathrin Carithers of Kearney, Neb., and Laura Smith of Hutchinson; six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Helma Morrison.
Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at CrossPoint Church, 1410 E. 30th , Hutchinson, with Pastor Shaun Jones officiating. Private family graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warriers Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS, 66675-8516, or SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), c/o the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside St., Wichita, KS, 67219, or the American Diabetes Association, 608 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67226. Memorials may also be mailed to Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.