Alvin Smith

Alvin Lee Smith, 76, of Colby, died Monday, February 26, 2018, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby. He was born April 21, 1941, in Howell, KS, to Dalton and Ida (Ratzlaff) Smith. Alvin grew up in Scott County, KS and attended Prairie View School and Pence Mennonite Church. He worked for the Woods Brother’s Ranch, and then for Oswald Industries in Garden City, where he traveled the eastern United States working on grain dryers. Alvin moved to Colby in 1972 where he met and married Peggy Brandt on February 24, 1973 and started a family. He went to work for Colby Steel as a salesman, later becoming the owner of that business. After selling Colby Steel he started Smith Construction where he enjoyed having his oldest son, Vance, work with him during the summer.

Al loved spending time with his family. His children and grandchildren were the highlight of his life; he enjoyed traveling, watching Chiefs Football and hunting. He also enjoyed tinkering on lawn mowers or anything else that needed repaired (there wasn’t anything Al couldn’t fix). Al enjoyed spending time with his friends over coffee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Vance.

Al is survived by his wife, Peggy, of the home; children, Krista (Ron) Alexander of Colby, Melissa (Hans) Krohn of Colby, Alison (Jason) Topliff of Tonganoxie, KS, Rachelle (Tim) Ostrander of Lawrence, KS and Lane Smith of Marion, KS; fourteen grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa Dad: Brittany, Brooke, Baylee and Jacob Alexander, Zoe, Gage, Savannah and Jenna Krohn, Joel, Jonah and Lily Topliff, Elijah and Asher Ostrander, and Kreed Alvin Smith. Sisters: Elsie (Lee) Weatherspoon, Maebethene (Bruce) Bartholomew, Alma Dearden and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Baalmann Mortuary in Colby. Funeral Services are at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at College Drive Assembly of God with Pastor Steven Todd officiating, burial to follow at Beulah Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alvin Smith Memorial Fund, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com