Cover photo for Jody Lee Smith's Obituary
Jody Lee Smith Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Jody Lee Smith
1950 2021

Jody Lee Smith

June 19, 1950 — August 17, 2021

Jody Lee Smith, 71, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021.

He was born June 19, 1950, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Larry and Phyllis (Frickey) Smith. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1969.

He was a true American. He served proudly in the United States Army, A Company 2/506 101 st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Devise, Bronze Star Medal with V Device, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star and Army Commendation Medal.

He had a great sense of humor and could light up any room that he walked into. His family meant the absolute most to him. He enjoyed spending his time with them whether it was to simply hang out or go on family vacations.

There wasn't anything he couldn't fix! He worked as an electrician for most of his life and at Lakeside Marina. He loved music. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, playing pool and ping pong. Playing pool was relaxing and a sport. You could always catch him at the pool hall with his buddies.

He was a proud member of the VFW Philip Billard Post #1650.

Jody married Cindy Dreher, they later divorced. Survivors include his dog Tina, daughter, Amy (Paul) Bartholomew and her children, Cassidy and Ryan; son, Russell Smith and his children, Russell, Steven, Brooklyn, and Elliot; daughter, Renee Smith and her children, Alexis, Kendra, and E.J.; daughter, Jamie Smith (Michael) and her children Devon (Taylor), Justin, Amaya; sisters, Julie Smith (Isaac Perez) and Paula (Dave) Young; brothers, Jay Smith, and David (Bernnadette) Smith; sister-in-law, Della Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Stephen Smith and brother, Tom Smith.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will follow at Topeka Cemetery, in Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help offset funeral costs or to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or to Helping Hands Humane Society 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS 66604-3720.

To view the recorded service, please click on the link below. The service will be available to watch for 90 days after the service date.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1630014721133089

To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jody Lee Smith, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, August 28, 2021

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)

Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel

1321 Southwest 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Service

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel

1321 Southwest 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Topeka Cemetery1601 SE 10th, Topeka, KS

1601 Southeast 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66607

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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