Ralph Smith

Ralph E. Smith, 91, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at the Allen County Hospital in Iola. Ralph was born March 12, 1919, at Vail, Iowa, the son of Otho G. and Grace E. (Jones) Smith. The family moved to Colony, Kansas and he lived there for many years. He attended Colony High School and graduated from there in 1937. He joined the United States Army in March of 1941 serving until the end of World War II and then returned to the family farm. He was called back into the service in 1950 and served during the Korean War. He was a Captain and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He continued farming for several years, he served as a bank loan officer at Iola State Bank for 24 years and was an auctioneer for over 50 years. He was a member of the Kansas Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame. He was recognized in 2007 as a 60 year member of the Moran American Legion. He organized and auctioneered the Allen County 4-H livestock sale, was secretary and member of the Allen County Fair Board for many years. He received special recognition by the Allen County 4-H clubs in 2005 for his service to 4-H. He was president of the Moran School Board in 1951 and served on the Allen County Extension Board. He is a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Iola. On January 5, 1942, Ralph married his high school sweetheart, A. Nadine Fogleman in Arizona. They had two children and she passed away on September 13, 1960. On August 3, 1979, Ralph married Maxine Harvey. SURVIVORS: His Wife: Maxine Smith of the home 2 Children: Robert H. Smith of Iola, KS and A. Jean Schaffer of Wichita, KS 1 Step-Daughter: Tyra Harvey O'Rourk of Nashua, NH 10 Grandchildren and several great grandchildren 3 Nephews: Vincent Smith of Blue Springs, MO, Mike Smith of Kansas City and Earl Smith of Littleton, CO He was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Chatterton, and two brothers, Paul J. Smith and Raymond D. Smith, his twin. FUNERAL SERVICE: 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Iola. The Rev. Trudy Kenyon Anderson will officiate. BURIAL: Colony Cemetery, Colony, KS, with military honors MEMORIAL CHOICES: Wesley United Methodist Church or Colony United Methodist Church Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .