Norman Russell Smith, 87 of Valley Falls, passed away peacefully at his home on December 26, 2022 with his family by his side. He was the born the son of Charles L. and Lucille R. (Bledsoe) Smith at Valley Falls.

Norman was a farmer, stockman and dairyman all of his life. He enjoyed farm life to his fullest, but nothing could surpass the enjoyment of his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids. He never missed a grandkids 4-H or sporting event. If you were tormented or teased by him, then you were especially loved.

Norman attended North Cedar and Basin Valley Grade Schools, graduated 8th Grade from Fairfield School in 1950 and was a 1954 graduate of Valley Falls High School where he lettered in football and track. He married the love of his life, Alfreda (Freda) J. Eisenbarth at St. Dominic- Catholic Church in Holton on January 19, 1957. After their marriage they joined his parents in the dairy business and built their life together on the family farm south of Valley Falls. He retired from the dairy business in 1990 and he went to work for the Jefferson County Road and Bridge Department as a Road Grader Operator. He retired from the county in 2002.

Norman enjoyed visiting with people about farm life, family and the history of Valley Falls. He served on several boards and committees including the Sunflower Dairy Co-Op, Mid-America Dairymen, the Rock Creek Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ACS), and Rural Water District #3.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lucille Smith, and 2 brothers, Raymond Smith and Donald Smith (infant).

He is survived by his wife, Freda, of the home; a son Dennis (Kathryn) Smith of Valley Falls; 3 grandchildren, Gayla (Darrin) Figge of Onaga, KS, Donny (Daina) Smith and Justin Smith of Valley Falls, KS and 5 great-grandchildren, Tyree and Delaney Figge, Grady and Camden Smith, and Hudson Smith.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2023 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial will take place at the St. Mary- Catholic Cemetery in Valley Falls following the funeral services. The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at the funeral home. Norman will lie in state Friday, December 30th and Saturday December 31st from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be given to the Valley Falls Athletic Association, Jefferson County Home Health & Hospice, or Pott County Association Building Fund 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