Carl Richard "Cork" Smith, 88, long time resident of Westphalia, KS, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Newman Hospital in Emporia.

He was born January 7, 1934, at rural Westphalia to Harry Eugene and Alice Edith (Moyer) Smith. He graduated from Westphalia High School class of 1951. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. He trucked hay for many years and also delivered propane for a number of years. He was a 53 year member of the Westphalia Lion's Club.

On March 27, 1955, he and Darlene Shirley Johnson were married at the Methodist Church in Burlington. They made their home at Westphalia until moving to Cottonwood Falls in October of 2021. Cork was known as the" Leaf Chief" at the apartments at Cottonwood Falls, keeping everything neat and tidy. Cork did enjoy an occasional trip to the casino following his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Wesley Howard Smith; a granddaughter, Nikki Michelle Smith; brothers, Claron Harry, Elmo Earl "Bud", and Billie Lawrence Smith; and a sister, Arla June Smith Weiss.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, with whom he just celebrated 67 years of marriage on March 27, 2022 six days before his death; his children, Jerry Smith (Carolyn), Westphalia, Janet Tastove (Jim), Cottonwood Falls, and Terry Smith (Shari), Westphalia; 7 grandchildren, Ashley Busakula (Andrew), Belton, MO, J.R. Smith (Erica), Fort Wayne, IN, Brandon Tastove (Erica), Strong City,  Cody Tastove (Melissa), Cottonwood Falls, Justin Smith (Liz), Neosho, MO, Jason Smith (Joni), Salina, and Austin Smith, Centerville; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 8, 2022, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery at Burlington.

The family will meet with friends from 9:30 A.M. until service time Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Westphalia Lions' Club and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.