Ronald Eugene Smith Sr.

Ronald Smith ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Brenner Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services on Mar. 17, 2026.Ronald "Ron" Eugene Smith Sr., 82, passed away Saturday, March 14 at the Medicalodges of Frontenac.Ron was born at the Mt. Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg, KS to Benjamin and Juanita (Totman) Smith on March 15, 1943. Soon after graduating from Arcadia High School in 1962, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves reaching the rank of E6 before his honorable discharge. He served from February 27, 1963 to February 1, 1987.On July 19, 1964, Ron married Virginia Harris at Cato, KS. They shared 61 years together. Ron and Virginia are devoted members of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church of Garland, KS.In his professional career, Ron worked as a laborer in factories. He worked at US Gympson, International Paper, and Pitt Plastics. Ron also worked for USD #250 as a crossing guard and lunchroom supervisor. During Ron's retirement years, he was a member of the Senior Bowling League at Holiday Lanes and he earned a first-degree black belt from Japan Karate – Do Genbu-Kai of Kansas. He was 75 years old when he earned his black belt. Ron was admitted to Medicalodges of Frontenac in June 2024 where he made many friends, including the staff.Ron is survived by his wife; Virginia Smith of the home, two sons; Ronald Smith Jr. (Roanda) of Osawatomie, KS and David Smith (Ellen) of Arma, KS, a daughter; Connie Hebert (Joel) of Cape Girardeau, MO, two brothers; Terry Smith (Etta) of Hepler, KS and Larry Smith (Helen) of Hays, KS, a sister; Eileen Nelson (David) of Wichita, KS, 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.Ron is preceded in death by his parents; Benjamin and Juanita Smith, a brother; Kenneth Smith, two sisters; Yvonne Whetzell and Patricia Wright-Morris, and a sister-in-law; Helen Smith.A visitation will take place Sunday, March 22 at Brenner Mortuary from 3-5 PM. A funeral service will be conducted on Monday, March 23 at Brenner Mortuary at 9:30 AM with Pastor Mike Bright officiating. A private family graveside will take place on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the youth group of your church, or the Cherry Grove Baptist Church youth group. Donations can be left in care of Brenner Mortuary. Friends and family may leave condolences at www.brennermortuary.com. Services are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St. Pittsburg, KS 66762.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Eugene Smith Sr., please visit our floral store.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.