Obituary

"W.K. Smith, 92, Dies Suddenly"

William Kercher "Pop" Smith, 92, retired Newton Druggist died suddenly Wednesday evening at Friendly Acres, where he had resided for several months. He formerly lived at 418 E. 3rd. Mr. Smith was born on April 17th of 1872 in Clinton, Mo and had been a resident of Newton since 1884. He was the son of Samuel H. and Catharine K. Smith, pioneer Harvey County residents, who moved to a farm in Newton when he was a child. Mr. Smith was married on March 31st, 1896 to Ida Mae Clark. His wife died in Newton on Dec. 24th, 1947. After clerking in several drug stores, Mr. Smith became a licensed pharmacist in 1905 and for many years owned his own stores, the last one a forerunner to the present Wilson Drug store. He sold the business in 1947 but remained a pharmacist there. Mr. Smith's first drug firm was located in the old Santa Fe building which is now gone. Mr. Smith was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren church, Newton Masonic Lodge and Elks Lodge. He was survived by two daughters Esther Perkins and Dollie Mills of Newton, a son W.K. Jr. of Tacoma, Wa. and 2 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the Peterson Funeral Home, burial at Greenwood Cemetery with the Newton Masonic Lodge conducting graveside rites.