S. Noel Smith, 78, of Overland Park, KS went to his heavenly home, April 15, 2024. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He was born in Olean, NY, December 25, 1945. He married Winnie Rogers in Batavia, NY, April 5, 1969. He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Louise Eaton Smith of Batavia, NY, mother and father-in-law Grace and Harold Rogers, formally of Darien, NY and daughter-in-law, Kristi Smith, and his beloved dog, Smokey.
Noel is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Winnie Smith of Overland Park, KS, their children, Craig Smith of Parker, CO, Marla (Gerald) Holland of Shawnee, KS and his 5 grandchildren Ashley, Samantha and Justin Smith and Grace and Caroline Holland. He is also survived by his sister, Marsha Flagg of Asheville, NC, and sisters-in-law, Marjorie (Dan) Kelsey of Alexander, NY and Patricia (Robert) Chmielowiec of Byron, NY, along with nieces and nephews.
Noel loved playing baseball and basketball as a kid. Noel’s Batavia High School basketball success earned him a scholarship to Roberts Wesleyan College where he earned his BA. He was named Outstanding Genesee County Athlete of the Year in 1968 and his Roberts Wesleyan College team later entered their Sports Hall of Fame. Noel enjoyed a long career at Eastman Kodak, beginning in 1969 and held management positions in several cities. His career was interrupted for three years while serving in the US Army in Nuremberg, Germany. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, his church, Sunday school class and working and volunteering transporting and helping assisted living residents.
He nurtured his lifelong friendships by sending them cards, playing jokes on friends and family and laughing about memories. He loved watching Kansas City Royals Baseball and NAIA basketball games. He was a constant presence at his grandchildren’s sporting events and theater performances. He greatly enjoyed his Lionel train collection and doing jigsaw puzzles with his sister, Marsha. And few could out guess him in Rock ‘n’ Roll history trivia. Noel and Winnie loved traveling ‘Blue Highways’ as much as going on Viking Cruises. Noel loved planning their Broadway theater trips to NYC as well as Midwest productions.
Noel was a loving, kind and loyal man. He was loved by so many, will be deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial for S. Noel Smith has been established at the Kansas State University Foundation to assist veterinary students. Contributions may be sent to: KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502, please indicate fund M47473. To make a gift online, go to www.ksufoundation.org/give/memorials.
His funeral service will take place at Gilmartin Funeral Home Batavia, NY, Saturday, May 4th. Calling hours will be 9:00AM to 11:00AM and the funeral at 11:00AM. A reception will follow. A private family burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica, New York.
To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com.
