Gerald P. Smith

Gerald (Jerry) Patrick Smith, 88, of Topeka, died June 17th, 2012 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on August 12, 1923 in Axtell, Kansas, the son of Edward A. and Nora M. Smith. He graduated from Summerfield High School in Summerfield, Kansas in 1941. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the 77th Infantry of the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre in the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan On September 13, 1952, Gerald married Jeannine R. Isaac at St. Gregory?s Catholic Church in Marysville, Kansas and they were together 59 years. He worked as a union carpenter local 1445, specializing in ceilings, last working for Halsey Tevis Construction, where he retired in 1985. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards. Gerald was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and the American Legion. Gerald is survived by his wife Jeannine. He is also survived by their four children, Pamela C. (Frank) Fussenegger of Littleton, Co., Gary D. (Martha) Smith of Topeka, Gregory P. (Kathy) Smith of Topeka, and Mark K. (Cindy) Smith of Leland, N.C., seven grandchildren, Angela and Jason Fussenegger, Haithan Alsawadi, and Eric, Hannah, Hayden, and Paul Smith; three great grandchildren, Sierra and Ruby Fussenegger and Bailey Smith; one sister, Mary Wilson of Tucson, Az.; eight nieces and four nephews; many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters, Paul and Dr. J.J. Smith, and Lucille Bretz, Delia Chapman and Dorothy Donner. Mr. Smith will lie in state from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 20th at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, where a parish rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 21st at Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Midland Hospice Care or Christ the King Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.