Vernon Leonard Smith

       Vernon Leonard Smith, 87, of Sterling, passed away December 12, 2018 at Via Christi Hospital-St. Francis, Wichita, KS.  He was born on December 21, 1930 in Raymond, KS, the son of Raymond and Marie Hoops Smith.  Vernon graduated from Raymond High School.  He has resided in Sterling since 1954, formerly of Raymond.  Vernon worked as a school bus driver for Sterling USD 376, retiring in 2006.  He was a member and former Commander of the American Legion Post 128 Sterling, and former 7th District Commander.  Vernon served in the United States Army from June 14, 1951 to March 13, 1954.  On January 13, 1953, Vernon was united in marriage with Chizu I. Iwashige in Fukuoka, Japan.  She survives of the home.  He is also survived by his two daughters, Bev Exposito and husband Parker of Hutchinson, KS and Debbie Savage of Ark City, KS; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenny Smith; brother, Virgil Smith; and sister, Mary Volker.  Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with military honors by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, December 14, 2018 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present.  Memorials can be made to the Via Christi Hospital-St. Francis Burn Unit in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.