In Memory Of
Norman C. Smith
1928
2014
Norman C. Smith
September 6, 1928 — May 21, 2014
Norman C. "Corky" Smith, 85, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2014. He was born September 6, 1928, in Sparks, Kansas, the son of William and Ethel (Carter) Smith.
Corky's parents ran a restaurant in Sparks, and the family lived in back of the restaurant. He got his nick-name from the customers, and it remained with him all his life. Corky and his family moved to Emporia in time for him and his sister, Estelle to start grade school. He attended all his school days in Emporia.
Cork served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. While in the Navy, he served as the Quarter Master aboard the U.S.S. Sutherland. He also played basketball on the ship's basketball team.
Cork returned to Emporia and graduated from Emporia State University following his service in the Navy. He married Elizabeth Price in 1950 in Emporia. Together they had three children, but later separated in 1973.
Following his graduation from college, Cork taught and coached athletics at several Kansas area high schools including Rosalia High School in Rosalia, KS and Douglas High School in Douglas, KS until moving to Topeka to work for Whelan's School Supply. He then worked as a sales representative for Famous Brands until retiring after 19 years. While at Famous Brands, he won the Distinguished Sales Award given by Sales and Marketing Executives International. He and his present wife, Ann were married in 1980 in Topeka. Cork spent his time in "retirement" working in property management for Midland Management from 1979-2007, until Alzheimer's took over his life. He was admitted to Aldersgate Village Dementia Unit in April of 2012, and fought a valiant fight with the help of the staff at Aldersgate, Grace Hospice and family.
Cork enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and KU Basketball. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church for over 50 years and he was a member of A.A. in Topeka for over 34 years. They have been married 34 happy years with both his children and her children, and he will be greatly missed by all!
Norman is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, Jeffrey Smith, of Sacramento, CA, Price Smith, of Topeka; daughter, Martha Smith-Allen, of Topeka; step-sons, Alan Arnold, of Belton, MO, Brian Arnold, of Topeka; step-daughter, Julie Hayward, of Topeka; 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Estelle Ravalin, granddaughter, Jessica Smith, and first wife, Elizabeth Price Hollar.
Norman was cremated. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, May 25th at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603. Private interment of the cremated will be at Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th Street in Topeka or Grace Episcopal Building Fund, 701 SW 8th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603.
Corky's parents ran a restaurant in Sparks, and the family lived in back of the restaurant. He got his nick-name from the customers, and it remained with him all his life. Corky and his family moved to Emporia in time for him and his sister, Estelle to start grade school. He attended all his school days in Emporia.
Cork served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. While in the Navy, he served as the Quarter Master aboard the U.S.S. Sutherland. He also played basketball on the ship's basketball team.
Cork returned to Emporia and graduated from Emporia State University following his service in the Navy. He married Elizabeth Price in 1950 in Emporia. Together they had three children, but later separated in 1973.
Following his graduation from college, Cork taught and coached athletics at several Kansas area high schools including Rosalia High School in Rosalia, KS and Douglas High School in Douglas, KS until moving to Topeka to work for Whelan's School Supply. He then worked as a sales representative for Famous Brands until retiring after 19 years. While at Famous Brands, he won the Distinguished Sales Award given by Sales and Marketing Executives International. He and his present wife, Ann were married in 1980 in Topeka. Cork spent his time in "retirement" working in property management for Midland Management from 1979-2007, until Alzheimer's took over his life. He was admitted to Aldersgate Village Dementia Unit in April of 2012, and fought a valiant fight with the help of the staff at Aldersgate, Grace Hospice and family.
Cork enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and KU Basketball. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church for over 50 years and he was a member of A.A. in Topeka for over 34 years. They have been married 34 happy years with both his children and her children, and he will be greatly missed by all!
Norman is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, Jeffrey Smith, of Sacramento, CA, Price Smith, of Topeka; daughter, Martha Smith-Allen, of Topeka; step-sons, Alan Arnold, of Belton, MO, Brian Arnold, of Topeka; step-daughter, Julie Hayward, of Topeka; 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Estelle Ravalin, granddaughter, Jessica Smith, and first wife, Elizabeth Price Hollar.
Norman was cremated. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, May 25th at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603. Private interment of the cremated will be at Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th Street in Topeka or Grace Episcopal Building Fund, 701 SW 8th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603.
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