Tom L. Smith

Thomas “Tom” Smith, 64, of Topeka, passed away on December 18, 2021.

He was born in Topeka, Kansas on August 2, 1957, the son of Carvan and Rosila (Gudenkauf) Smith.

Tom worked as a paper carrier for the Topeka Capitol Journal for 25 years.  He worked for 27 years for Berlin-Wheeler in Client Services.  After his retirement he worked at Hertz Rental in several capacities.

Tom was a 1975 graduate of Hayden High School.  He was always a strong supporter of Hayden High School.  He was the St. Matthew Youth Track Coach from 1994 to 2002, the voice of the Wildcats for the games for 25 years, a Kids State Wrestling Announcer for over 20 years, and involved in Parochial Saints Football for 25 years, and helped coach the Hayden Wildcat Wrestling team... 

Tom was a member of the St. Matthew Catholic Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Usher.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council at the church.  He was a past Grand Knight, served on the state team, and was very involved with all their activities.  He was also a member of the James W. Gibbons Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. Tom also was a member of the Knights of Columbus Bowling Team.

Tom was a very spiritual person, his faith and his family were always first and foremost in his life.

He married Rose Fehrenbach at the Church of the Assumption in Topeka on May 9, 1981.  She survives.  He is also survived by his children; Tonya Bolte and husband Karl of Eudora, Justin Smith and wife Amber Wiedeman Smith of Keene, TX, AM1 (AW) Bryan Smith and wife Kristina of Visalia, California, and Kayla Jones and husband Christopher of Clarksburg, Ohio.  He was a loving Papa to his eleven grandchildren, Isaiah, Kaleb, Kaydence, Sawyer, Charles, Cambell, Kaylee, David, George, Rye and Dwayne.  He also leaves behind his siblings, Tim Smith (Liz), Terry Smith (Debbie), Jean Smith and Jerry Smith (Becky).  He preceded in death by his parents.

Tom will lie in state at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. where a 3^rd and 4^th degree Knights of Columbus Rosary will be prayed at 5:oo p.m. followed by the Chalice Ceremony.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Church.  Interment will be held privately in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.  They will be designated at a later date by his family.

Memorial contributions and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.