William "Bill" Smotherman

William Crawford Smotherman passed away January 18, 2018.  William was born May 2, 1931 in Teresita, MO, the son of Lester C. and Bertha E. Farrar Smotherman.  He served in the U.S. Army from February 1952 to February 1954 in the Korean War.  He was united in marriage to Oka M. Hayes on June 4, 1956 in Olathe, KS.  This union was blessed with 2 children, Elizabeth Cruzan and Charles Smotherman.

Mr.Smotherman was a carpenter, owning his own business for many years.  He was a member of Ruritan, American Legion, Post 153, Olathe Trail Riders, played baseball for many years in KS and MO, rode in Shannon County Trail Rides for many years and was an avid hunter and fisherman as well.  He loved spending time with his wife and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Bertha, 2 sisters, Mary Alice Reese and Wilma Lea Aitkins.  Survivors include his wife, Oka, 2 children, his daughter Elizabeth Cruzan of Paola, KS and son, Charles Smotherman & Barb of Birch Tree, MO.  Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, KaCasy Smotherman, Kandes Gainer & Jake, Megan DeHaan and Daniel, Brent Cruzan & Becca; 6 great grandchildren, and twins due on Monday, January 22, 2018; Other survivors include brothers, Howard (Hutch) - Salton City, CA; Floyd (Bunny) & Diana - Shawnee, KS; Robert (Doc) & Linda – Overland Park, KS; Henry (Hank) & Nancy – Spring Hill, KS; Allen (Leroy) & Charlene – Linn Valley, KS; Ivan (Muck) & Delaine – Birch Tree, MO; Kenneth (Slats) – Birch Tree, MO;  Sister, Ellen Mae Crank – Genoa, Illinois.

Graveside Services will be held on January 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Military Honors at Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS  66210