Herbert A. Smith

Herbert A. Smith, 87, passed away October 2, 2018 at Brewster Health Care Facility in Topeka, Kansas.

Herb was born October 21, 1930 in Davenport, Iowa, to Bert and Florence Smith. He graduated from Davenport High School in 1948. He received his B.S. degree in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 1953, and he spent his entire career working as a Registered Pharmacist. For many years, he and his wife owned and operated Smith Drugstore in Davenport, and later in Colorado Springs, they opened a pharmacy in a medical complex. He finished his career working at Evans Army Hospital at Ft. Carson, Colorado.

On August 18, 1951, Herb married the love of his life, Muriel McCoy. They recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. They lived in Iowa until 1973, when they moved to Colorado Springs. In 2008, they moved to Topeka to be closer to family.

Herb was an avid outdoorsman, and especially loved to hunt and fish. His tour with the Army took him to Alaska, which he returned to time and again. He had his Commercial Pilot license, and loved to fly. He was well-read and always curious about new things, especially technology. He never knew a stranger, and was a legendary storyteller. Most of all, he loved his family.

Herb is predeceased in death by his parents, Bert and Florence Smith, and his sisters, Phyllis Briceland and Maxine Christman.

Survivors include his wife, Muriel; his daughters, Debi (Tom) Stiles, Topeka, KS, Diane Thompson, Charlotte, NC, and Sheri (Mike) Scott, Fort Mill, SC; six grandchildren, Jeff (Cyndi) Stiles, Jenni (Trevor) Holland, Greg (Ashlynn) Stiles, Valerie Scott, David (Tina) Scott, and Kyle (Kristen) Thompson. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Logan, Kinsleigh, Addie, Brynlee, and Lillie, with Aria due to arrive in December. In addition, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Bob (Pat) McCoy, and several nieces and nephews.

Herb was a member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Topeka. A memorial service will be held at the Chapel in the Main Building at Brewster Place on Monday, October 8, at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest at a later date in Iowa.

Midwest Cremation Society is assisting the family with arrangements. The family would like to thank Great Lakes Caring Hospice and the staff at Brewster Place for their loving care of Herb. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.