Jetmore – William R. (Bill) Smidt, 64, passed away November 10, 2014, at Cedar Village in Ness City.

He was born April 21st, 1950 in the Feis home in Campbell, Nebraska, the first born of R.L. (Bud) and Twila J. Hendrickson Smidt. Moving to the farm of his great grandfathers in North West Hodgeman County later that year, became his boyhood home. Bill attended a one room grade school, finished high school in Jetmore, Ks and attended Vo Tec in Beloit, Ks. He worked as a mechanic for Foley Tractor Company in Dodge City before returning to the farm after the death of his dad.

On May 9th, 1971 he married Barbara J. Elliott in Detroit, Kansas. She preceded him in death on May 20th, 2007.

Bill is survived by one son, William L. Smidt and wife Robin of Russell, Kansas; one daughter, Jenette I. and husband David Schuette of Spearville, Kansas; a brother, Bob and wife Jennifer Smidt of Abilene, Kansas; a sister, Cleo and husband Curt Adams of Dodge City, Kansas; Seven grandchildren; Three great grandchildren, plus many nieces, nephews, brother's and sister's in-laws and many lifelong friends. He was also preceded in death by his parents Bud and Twila; a brother, Ernest Carroll and a grandson Cody Barnett.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the United Presbyterian Church, Jetmore, with Rev. Mark Durham presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore. Burial will be in the Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hodgeman County Ministerial Alliance or Sons of the American Legion in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663 Jetmore, Ks 67854.