Lester "Buddy" N. Smith, Jr.

Lester N. "Buddy" Smith, Jr, 68, of Valley Falls, KS entered eternal rest Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in the comfort of his own home with loved ones at his side. He was born January 9, 1954, in Topeka the son of Lester and Betty (Messick) Smith. Lester grew up in Maple Hill, KS and graduated from Rossville High School. He retired from Cross Midwest Tire, Topeka, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, collected guns and attending gun shows. Lester married Linda Carterman on November 6, 1975, in Maple Hill, KS. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Rebecca (Shane) Whipple of Woodland Park, CO, Sarah (Matt) Caleb of Topeka, and a sister, Jeanne (Dean) Linsey of Silver Lake. Three grandchildren, Cassandra (Domingo) Martinez, Allison Mills, Laine Caleb, a great-granddaughter, Isabella Martinez, three sister's in-law, Cheryl (Chuck) Welch of Topeka, Debbie (Dave) Lusby of Clinton, KS, Donna (Gary) Schley of Lawrence and a lifelong buddy Max Lemon also survive. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Tyler Mills. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made in Lester's memory to Jefferson County Hospice, 1212 Walnut, Oskaloosa, KS 66066.