Obituary of Roger Dean Smith

Coffeyville - Roger Dean Smith, 63, of Dearing, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Roger was born January 20, 1946 in Coffeyville to Murrel and Jean (Brewer) Smith. He grew up and attended elementary school in Dearing, and graduated from Field Kindley High School. Following high school he attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO, Manhattan Bible College in Manhattan, and Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg. In December 1968 he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in Germany and Viet Nam, while in the service his specialties included open mess management supervisor, vehicle operator/dispatch, special investigation specialist, and security specialist, while in Viet Nam he was a dog handler. His military decorations include, Unit Guard with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal with 4 Bronze Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Overseas short term tour ribbon, and Overseas Long Term Tour Ribbon with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Continuation with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Small Arms Expert, Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Roger retired from the Air Force as a TSGT in April 1989 after serving 20 years. Roger was an avid cook, working in Cafeteria's in Coffeyville and Branson, MO before becoming disabled with Arthritis and the effects of Agent Orange. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Caney, and Heartland Vietnam Veterans. Survivors include his mother, Jean Smith of Dearing, an uncle and aunt, and numerous cousins, other family members and friends. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2009 in the First Christian Church in Caney with Pastor Brad Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville with military honors conductions by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, KS. Friends may call on Sunday, August 2, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to the First Christian Church in Caney; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Rd., Coffeyville, KS 67337. To leave the family a message please visit www.dwbfh.com.