Thomas Jefferson "Tj" Smith..... Age 92

Graveside Service:  1PM Friday May 12, 2017 at Osawatomie Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial:  TJ Smith Memorial Fund

send c/o Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
P.O. Box 430
Osawatomie, KS  66064
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Thomas Jefferson “TJ” Smith age 92, Osawatomie, KS, died Friday May 5, 2017 at his home.
Thomas Jefferson Smith (affectionately called Tom or T.J.) was born to Phoebe Hare Smith (Turk) and James Smith, Sr. on July 5, 1924 in Osawatomie, KS; both parents, brother, sister and wife Darlene preceded him in death.
Tom earned his education and was raised in LaCygne, Kansas. He considered himself a “self educated man”, reason for this is because he taught himself to read by reading the Reader’s Digest everyday for over a year.
In August 1941 Tom enrolled in the Civilian Corps and received an Honorable Discharge. In August of 1942, he enlisted and served in the United States Army. During his enlistment Tom received several decorations and citations (Europe, African, Middle Eastern-EAME Theater Ribbon, 2 Bronze Service Stars, AP Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, etc.). Tom’s battles and campaigns were in Normandy GO 33 WD 45 and Northern France GO 46 WD 45.
Tom received an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1945.
After the service Tom went on to further educate himself in many ways that he was extremely proud of. In 1949 he received his diploma in Furniture Repair & Upholstery; in 1950 he received his diploma in Shoe Repairing and in 1951 he received a diploma in Body & Fender repair.
Tom began his career with the City of Kansas City in 1948. He remained there until his retirement after 50+ years. He was very smart, held several upper management positions, highly respected and very well known throughout his tenure with and all over the City of Kansas City. Tom was a very highly prestigious and proud man.
Some of Tom's passions were golfing, fishing, barbequing and of course going to the casino.
Loving Memories of Tom will be cherished by his Loving and Caring Companion of many years—Kaye Francis Jones, two “special cousins”—Alfreda Whitaker and Eleanor Rose Irons, a whole lot of Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, family and friends.