Cecil Smith

OBITUARY: Cecil Linwood Smith

Cecil Linwood Smith, 91, Topeka, passed away Mon., July 24, 2006, at McCrite Plaza South. Mr. Smith was born Dec. 29, 1914, at Chanute, KS the son of Boyd and Jessie Kennan Smith.

Mr. Smith graduated from Chanute High School in 1934; Ft. Scott Junior College in 1936; Ottawa University in 1938; and received his Master's Degree from Pittsbury State University in 1951.

Mr. Smith was a classroom teacher and coach in Edson, Castleton, and Vilas high schools; a high school principal in Bogue, Dorrance, and Hill City; and Superintendent of Schools at Alma before he retired after 30 years as an educator.

Mr. Smith was a member of St. David's Episcopal Church and was also a member of Sunshiners Camping Group.

Mr. Smith was married to Gwendolyn C. Atkinson on August 28, 1938, at Kansas City, MO. She preceded him in death on March 12, 2006.

Surviving are two daughters: Meredith LaShell and husband, Gary, Topeka, and Elaine Brown and husband, Jack, Liberty, MO; a brother: James Bernard "Red" Smith of Chanute, KS; a sister: Elma "Pug" Wright of Urbandale, IA; seven grandchildren including Mark LaShell of Japan; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Fri., July 28, 2006, at St. David's Episcopal Church. Interment will be in Prairie Home Cemetery. Mr. Smith will lie in state from 3:00 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. David's Episcopal Church Capital Building Fund, 3916 S.W. 17th; Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.