Johnny Smith, 91, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the Mission Village Living Center in Horton, Kansas.

He was born on April 2, 1931 in Horton, Kansas, the son of Simon and Birdie Ryherd Smith. Johnny graduated from Horton High School in 1949. After graduating from high school he served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Johnny worked as an Air Traffic Controller at the Indianapolis, Indiana Center for over 27 years before retiring. On October 7, 1951 he married Marlene JoAnn Banner at the First Christian Church in Horton, Kansas. She preceded him in death on July 4, 2008. Together they had four children, Robin Jackson, Rochelle Smith, Regan Smith and Jon Eric Smith.  

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Johnny will forever be remembered for his love of family and friends and his generosity of spirt. Johnny enjoyed a rich full life. He loved the outdoors, gardening and landscaping wherever he lived. Summers were spent camping and boating with family and friends. Johnny and Marlene traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world. At home, Johnny enjoyed following college and professional sports. Traveling full circle, Johnny and Marlene, after leaving Kansas, spent twenty five years in Camby, Indiana, retiring to St. Petersburg, Florida and then returning to Horton to be with their extended family.

Survivors include Rochelle Smith of Hiawatha, Kansas, Regan Smith of Lawrence, Kansas and Jon Eric Smith of Nashville, Indiana; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Robin Jackson on August 4, 2021, nine brothers, Sanford, Leslie, Orrin, Junius, Peter, Norman, Eugene, Warren and Harvey Smith and a sister, Katherine Spiker.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, September 19, 2022 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Burial will follow at the Horton City Cemetery. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com