Barry Lee Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Lee Smith, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who left this world peacefully at the age of 80 on September 12, 2024. Barry was born the youngest of 14 children in Buffalo, Wyoming on November 13, 1943, to Thomas and Janet Smith. It was in Buffalo where he grew up and attended school.

As a young man, Barry was an aspiring musician who taught himself how to play the drums. He lived in Nashville for a while, where he met and played music with some of the great musicians of the time including Johnny Paycheck and Stonewall Jackson. He even had the honor of playing on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Music was a big part of his life, and he passed down that love of music to his children.

Barry lived in various places throughout his life, yet it was in Shawnee, Kansas, where he found his recent home. He was an avid golfer and spent countless hours on the course, where he found solace and camaraderie.

If you asked Barry what the best things to come out of his three marriages were, he would tell you that it was his children. Barry cherished his role as a grandfather to 13 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to two beautiful great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Barry is survived by his two sons: Patrick (Sandy) Smith, Sean (Stacy) Smith. Three daughters: Amy (Von) Steiner, Michelle (Matt) Covert, and Bylle (Cameron) Rainbolt. His grandchildren include Pat and Sandy’s boys, Connor and Jesse; Sean and Stacy’s children, Aaron (Veronica), Emily and Abbie; Amy and Von’s children, Jana (Clay) Banka, Jacob (Katie) and Jared (Kylie); Michelle and Matt’s girls, Sofia and Giuliana; Bylle and Cameron’s boys, Cody (Jasmine) Newport, Kole Newport and Chase Price. Two great-grandchildren, Huxton and Elaina Banka. He is also survived by his brother Bruce Smith and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Smith, and two of his children, Jana Marie and Thomas Martin Smith. Barry’s life was also marked by the loss of twelve siblings and his parents, who have now welcomed him into eternal peace. Each of these loved ones held a special place in his heart, and their memories will forever be cherished by those who knew them.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who carry forward the lessons he imparted and the love he freely gave.

As we honor Barry’s life, we invite all who knew him to celebrate his memory by sharing stories, laughter, and the music that he so dearly loved. In this time of sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that he is at peace, reunited with his loved ones and watching over his family with a smile.

A future graveside service will be planned for next summer in Buffalo, to lay Barry and Jean to rest.