The state of Kansas needs more Glee Smiths.

Smith died earlier this week after a relatively short illness and a life of tremendous involvement in an amazingly broad range of civic and professional activities.

He loved Kansas and its history and did his utmost to do what he could to better and improve the state. He was a top-flight and highly respected attorney and served with distinction for 18 years in the Kansas Senate, including eight years as the Senate president. He was an active member of the Kansas University Endowment Association Board of Trustees and received KU’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Citation. He served on the Kansas Board of Regents for eight years, and prized his role as a director of the Kansas 4-H Foundation. He also was honored and cited by legal, civic, historical, Scout and fraternal organizations.

Smith was born in Rozel, Kan., and served our nation as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He spent most of his years in Larned, until 1991, when he and his wife, Geraldine, moved to Lawrence and continued their involvement in and commitment to various local civic activities.

Smith exuded optimism, enthusiasm and a positive attitude. The 94-year-old attorney maintained up-to-date connections with most all of his activities and associations. He was particularly concerned about the welfare, strength and future of KU and the role of the regents and state legislators in helping the school reach its potential.

As noted above, the state needs more Glee Smiths. Where are the young men and women in Kansas today who have the drive, vision and commitment to give as much of themselves to the betterment of Kansas as did Smith?