Alvin W. Smith Jr., known by most as Sonny or Ace, 68, son of Alvin W. Smith Sr. and Ruby L. Tweed, was born March 13, 1947, at Waynesville, Mo. Sonny passed away Oct. 26, 2015, at Delmar Gardens Lenexa, Kan.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his long time companion, Carilyn Fernandez, of Shawnee Mission, Kan.; daughter, Tammy Smith of Basehor, Kan.; son, Justin Smith (Heather), of Bonner Springs, Kan.; two sisters, Cindy Dunford (Ed) of Olathe, Kan., and Sandra Haney (Rob) of Houston, Mo.; two grandchildren, Makayla and Brayden; an uncle, Harold Tweed of Waterford, Wisc.; and several nieces and nephews. Sonny was looking forward to the arrival of his grandson, Hunter, in January, Justin and Heather’s first child.
Sonny graduated from Houston High School. He joined the Army on Nov. 1, 1967, and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged Nov. 1, 1973. After the Army, he moved to Kansas and worked for Kansas City Power and Light and after 31 years retired from there.
He loved to hunt and fish all of his life. Later, he especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Justin, and his Uncle Harold. He enjoyed going to the Senior Center and playing pool or a good game of cards. He also enjoyed working at his place in the country, going to auctions, spending time with family and friends and tinkering on old cars. Sonny always had a smile on his face, never met a stranger and always had a good story to tell.
Sonny was a wonderful dad, a loving companion, loving grandfather, the best brother his sisters could have and a trusting and loyal friend. Although there are no words to express how much he will be missed, we are thankful Sonny is finally free and at peace. We have brought Sonny home, but he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Services were 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, at Evans Funeral Home with Pastor Delbert Gayer officiating. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Larry Finley, Tom Hartman, Ed Dunford, Rob Haney, Craig Stewart and Tom Oliver. Honorary pallbearer was Harold Tweed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Houston Senior Center or Oak Hill Cemetery. To send an online condolence, please go to www.evansfh.com.
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