Steven John “Smitty” Smith, 70, of Mayetta, KS, passed away Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Topeka VA Medical Center, with family by his side. He was born November 22, 1952 in Holton, KS, the son of Lowell “Emmett” and Lucille Mary (Dillner) Smith.

Smitty attended Denison High School and graduated from Mayetta High School in 1970. He attended a few years at Highland Community College. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era from 1972 - 1977.

He was a true Cowboy, Jockey and trained many horses for Norman Hamm. Smitty was proud of the four trips he made on the backroads and once by himself riding horseback from Mayetta to Cheyenne, WY. He also sold insurance and later operated Plan S Massage Therapy in Mayetta, KS. He was a member of Holton V.F.W. Post 1367 and lifetime member of ABATE.

Survivors include his companion and best friend, Catherine A. “Cathy” Montgomery of Mayetta, KS; 2 sisters, Sharon Bukacek (Don) of Mayetta, KS and Shirley Perry (Don) of Goff, KS; 5 nieces, Brandy Moten (Kevin) of Hoyt, KS, Angie McDaniel of Oskaloosa, KS, Jennifer Dent (Mark) of Paola, KS, Lisa Cronkite (Ralph) of Holton, KS and Melissa Beauchamp (JimBob) of Mayetta, KS; 7 great nieces; 5 great-nephews; 2 great-great-nieces; 3 great-great-nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Lucille Smith.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2023 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Burial with Air Force Military Honors will follow the funeral at South Cedar Cemetery. Smitty will lie-in-state Wednesday afternoon and Thursday until 6 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Steven “Smitty” Smith Memorial Fund (to be designated at a later date) c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.