Tyler Lee Smith
Obituary
Tyler Lee Smith, 23, died Wednesday (March 31, 2010) at his
Emporia residence.
He was born on Jan. 4, 1987, in Newton to Russell and
Lorraine (Carroll) Smith Rauch.
Tyler attended First Church of God growing up and also
attended Grace Community Church in Newton. He was a 2005 graduate of Newton
High School. He graduated from Hutchinson Community College and was attending
Emporia State University, where he was majoring in fine arts and business.
Tyler had a passion for ceramics and was very accomplished
on the potters wheel. He enjoyed fishing and rugged outdoor camping. As a
student, Tyler enjoyed playing soccer, basketball and football. He also was
preparing to enlist in the Army National Guard and serve his country. Tyler was
protective of his younger brother, Hunter. He enjoyed spending time with his
family and was a loyal friend.
Survivors include his mother, Lorraine and Johnny Rauch of
Newton; brother, Hunter P. Smith of Newton; sister, Amber Hardtarfer of
Lawrence; and maternal grandfather, Cliff and Charlotte Carroll of Newton.
He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Smith;
maternal grandmother, Ruth E. Carroll; maternal grandparents, Harold and
Bridgett Lee; and paternal grandparents, William and Sharyl Smith.
Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Petersen
Funeral Home in Newton, with family receiving friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Petersen
Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Friesen of Grace Community Church in Newton
officiating.
Burial will be in Cassoday Cemetery in Cassoday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hunter Smith
Scholarship Fund in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
1987 - 2010 (23 years)