Smith services

Mr. Smith died Saturday, May 29, 2004, at Brandon Woods Retirement Community.

He was born Jan. 5, 1915, in Superior, Wis., the son of William Robert and Emmeline Ward Payne Smith. He graduated as valedictorian in 1931 at Superior East High School. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Engineering School with distinction in electrical engineering in 1936 and with a master’s degree in 1937. He was the first student at the University of Texas to be awarded a doctorate in electrical engineering in 1950.

Mr. Smith came to Kansas University in 1950 as an associate professor of electrical engineering. He became professor in 1953 and chairman of the electrical engineering department in 1955. He was acting dean of the School of Engineering in spring 1963, served as dean from 1965 to 1978 and again as acting dean from 1984 to 1986. He became professor emeritus in 1981.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. He served as ensign, captain and priorities officer. He also was naval liaison officer for the National Defense Research Council, Division 15.

Mr. Smith was a member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. He also was a member of the Kansas Board of Engineering Examiners from 1972 to 1988, the Natural Gas Task Force, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence Community Theatre, Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Warm Hearts Board, KU Retirees Club, Lawrence Country Club, Chancellor’s Club, Endacott Society, KU Alumni Association, Williams Fund and KU Endowment Association. He was a benefactor of the Lied Center and former president of the Jayhawk Chapter of the Retired Officers Assn. He was a life senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and a member of the American Society for Engineering Education.

He was a former member of the Kansas State Board of Engineering Examiners and served as president of the Eta Kappa Nu and Sigma Xi Engineering societies from 1967 to 1968. He received a special recognition plaque from the Kansas Engineering Society for “Outstanding Service to the Engineering Profession” in 1977.

He married June Nickel Smith in 1942. They divorced. He married Betty Sickles, who died earlier. He married Carol J. Smith, who survives of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Susan Smith Pinero, Houston, and Sally Ward Smith, Berkeley, Calif.; a son, Bill Jr., Fairway; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to the KU School of Engineering, the Endacott Society or the church, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.