Stephen L. Smith, of Hiawatha, passed away on January 28, 2017 at the age of 71 shortly after arrival at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Steve was born November 19, 1945 in Highland, Kansas. He made his home in the Doniphan and Brown County, Kansas area all his life. Steve attended Highland Community College and then went onto graduate from Kansas University’s Pharmacy School in 1968. Steve was drafted into the army that same year and served two years before returning to Hiawatha, Kansas in 1970 to establish Steve’s Corner Drugs.

His commitment to professional excellence lead to statewide collaboration and awards throughout his career. Steve placed a high priority on being an integral part of the community, volunteering and planning whenever asked, and serving on many community boards, including hospital, mental health, hospital foundation and, as a long family tradition, a 4-H club leader for 19 years. A committed member of the First United Methodist Church for multiple decades, Steve took active leadership roles in many church committees.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed agriculture with retirement years focused on many hours of gardening and other farm activities with his grandchildren. Steve’s attentiveness to every person in his life touched all who knew him.

Steve married Suzan Good on December 30, 1970. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, F.B. Smith.

Steve is survived by his wife Suzan, daughter Rachel Smith, Hiawatha; son Matthew (Cari), Smith, Sabetha; son Stuart (Tanna) Smith, Sharon Springs; daughter Mariah (Thomas) Lewis, Raymore, Missouri; brother Thomas (Elizabeth) Smith, Highland; sister Carol (Leonard) Smith, Kansas City, Missouri; and nine grandchildren: Jessie, Andrew and Jay Smith; Tyler and McKenzie Lewis; and Ryder, Nathan, Holt and Landry Smith. Steve enjoyed his large extended family, which includes many cousins as well.

A celebration of Steve's life is planned for 10 a.m. Thursday, February 2, at First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha, with Pastor Jacob Cloud officiating.  Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery, with military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Missy Newell Memorial Fund, First United Methodist Church, or a charity of the donor's choice, which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

The Family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com