Daryl Eugene Smith—beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 89.

Daryl was born on March 4, 1936, in Horton, KS, to Junius Smith and Viola Elizabeth (Schuetz) Smith. He attended St. Leo's Parochial School and graduated from Effingham High School in 1954. He served in the Kansas National Guard from 1960-1963.

On June 29, 1957, Daryl married Anna "Nadine" Schumann, and together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and devotion to family. They raised five children and shared a marriage of over 60 years before Nadine's passing in 2017. Daryl was a fine musician, focusing on the trumpet, and played in a band with his mother and brothers. He was an avid sports fan as well as a collector of antique tractors.

Daryl was a lifelong farmer and cattleman who poured his heart into the land. Farming wasn't just his profession—it was his calling. His deep respect for the land and livestock shaped every season of his life, and he found joy in sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren.

He served his community and state through his work as a Senior Engineering Technician with the Kansas Department of Transportation, retiring after 41 years.
Daryl also served as a USD 335 Board of Education member for 20 years.

Daryl's family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his children: Sheryl (Mark) Callison of Holton, Terry (Gena) Smith of Horton, Garry (Kerri) Smith of Soldier, and Perry (Sarah) Smith of Wetmore. He was a proud grandfather to: Mark (Erin) Callison II, Matt (Michelle) Callison, Gera Cochren, Jordan (Lindsey) Smith, Tanner (Jeanette) Smith, Justin (Heidi) Smith, Travis (Kari) Smith, Taylor (Megan) Smith, Jayna (Michael) Glatczak, Lacy Smith-Baker, Newt (Gracie) Smith, Sydney Smith, and Isabelle Smith. He is also blessed with 24 great-grandchildren—and counting—who brought him endless joy in his later years.

Daryl is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nadine; a son, Jerry; a grandson, Curtis Smith; and his brothers Ivan and Larry Smith.

A rosary with visitation to follow will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo's Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 17, at 10:30 a.m. with burial to follow at Springhill Cemetery in Whiting, Kansas.

The fields may be quiet, but Daryl's legacy will grow for generations—in the soil he tended, in the roads he helped build, and most of all, in the family he loved so well. His was a life of purpose, integrity, and quiet strength.