1936 - 2026
Kent V. Smades, age 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his l o v ing family on Saturday evening, July 18, 2026, at his home in Wichita, Kansas. Kent was born on January 29, 1936, in Tribune, Kansas, the son of H.C. and Beulah Smades. He was the second oldest of eight children raised on a Wichita County farm in Pleasant Valley.
On October 13, 1957, Kent married Venita F. “Beedy” Smades in Tribune, Kan sas . H e was devoted to Venita and deeply proud of their nearly 69-year marriage and the beautiful life and family they built together. Even through years of illness, he fought hard to remain present so he could continue caring for her. Kent also took great pride in his four sons and the families they each built together with their wives.
Kent and Venita raised their family in Leoti, Kansas, where they helped start and faithfully attended Leoti Assembly of God for 50 years. Since 2015, they have resided in Wichita and attended Colonial Heights Assembly of God.
If you knew Kent, you knew he was about God, famil y , country, work, laughter, and breakfast. His loyalty to God and family shaped every part of his life. The most important thing to him was that his family lived for God. He led by example, attending church every Sunday no matter where he was. If he felt his children or grandchildren were drifting from that example, he lovingly offered a talk to guide them back. He cared deeply for their souls.
Kent was a faithful husband, devoted father, and a loyal American. He served in the United States Army from 1957–1959. He passed down a strong work ethic to his children and lived it himself as a rural letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Wichita and Scott Counties for 42 years. He was a member of t h e Nat i onal Rural Letter Carriers Association and served as Secretary of the Kansas state chapter.
Kent loved nothing more than seeing his family laugh and have fun. His teasing often left people unsure whether he was serious or just playing around — his kids usually assumed he meant it, his grandkids waited him out, and those who knew his humor best quietly smiled until the truth was revealed. He loved adventure, travel, laughter, and—most of all—time with family and friends.
He also cherished breakfast at the café. In Leoti, he met friends regularly, and in recent years he was devoted to a weekly men’s prayer breakfast, a time of fellowship he cherished. Some of his most treasured moments were special breakfasts shared with his sons and their families—memories they will always hold close.
Kent was a servant of God, always willing to help others. If he could speak to you today, he would tell you to serve God and love your family. He would tell you his favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm and remind you of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life.” And he would share Jesus’ promise in John 14:2–3: “In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Kent has faithfully finished his journey on this earth and has now gone to be with God, where he will know no pain or sorrow — only joy.
Kent is survived by his wife, Venita Smades; four sons: Jerry (Denise) Smades of Kansas, Terry (Tina) Smades of Kansas, Neil (Lisa) Smades of Texas, and Clay (Lavonda) Smades of Texas; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, H.C. and Beulah Smades , and three brothers: Keith Smades, Mark Smades, and Ross Smades, along with many other beloved family members. Services
•Memorial Service (Wichita): Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., Colonial Heights Church — Pastor Mark Combs presiding
•Memorial Service (Leoti): Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., former Assembly of God Church, 211 W. L, Leoti, Kansas — Rev. Wade Moss officiating Burial
•Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., Beulah Cemetery, Northeastern Wichita County Viewing
•Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 5–7 p.m.
•Family present 6–7 p.m.
•Wulf-Ast Mortuary, 213 W. Wichita, Colwich, Kansas Memorials Kent deeply valued spending time with his family and community. He especially enjoyed bringing his family home to Wichita County and volunteering alongside them to support the Wichita County Amusement Association, an organization that has long contributed to the joy and togetherness of the community he loved.
To honor Kent’s legacy of service — and the commitment he shared with his family — memorials may be sent on behalf of Kent and the Smades family to: Wichita County Amusement Association PO Box 107 Leoti, KS 67861 Condolences may be sent to the family.
Kent V Smades
