KENSINGTON — Marlin D. Smith, 77, retired farmer, of Kensington, KS, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, KS.

Born on the 13th day of June 1942, to Gladys Mick Smith and Clarence Almon Smith, Marlin Dale was welcomed into the world by his sisters Ruth and Donna. They lived on the farm seven miles southwest of Kensington in Phillips County.

At the age of four, the family moved to the Smith homestead north of Kensington. Marlin was raised on the family farm and graduated as a Goldbug from Kensington High School, with the class of 1960. In the fall of 1960, he attended McPherson College to play football, and soon returned home to pursue his love for farming. In 1964, he was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve our country in Vietnam. He graduated from the Larc V (amphibious watercraft) Operations and Maintenance Transition Course and was honorably discharged in April 1966.

On March 9, 1969, Marlin married Virginia (Ginger) Hale. They were blessed with two daughters, Marla Dalynn and Carla Almon. In 1982, the family moved to the family farm, where they resided until 2013. Marlin spent countless hours working in the field, tending cattle, or in the shop making repairs and repurposing many things. He was blessed with a mechanical mind, and often shared his knowledge with others. Marlin always enjoyed visiting with many friends and never met a stranger. He enjoyed attending many farm auctions, ag shows, and various community and regional events, as well as, a cup of coffee at the drugstore and later at the Country Corner. He was actively involved in the Kensington American Legion – Fred Marran Post #166, receiving the honor of a 50-year member in 2016. He also served as Volunteer Fireman for 30 years.

Over the last several years, Marlin enjoyed using his scooter to get around town, going to the corner for coffee or to the Legion on Friday nights for dinner. He was able to attend many ballgames and activities of his grandsons through the years. This past year, he enjoyed many visits with friends, family, and caregivers while residing at Smith Center Health and Rehab or his short stays in Smith County Hospital.

Marlin is survived by his wife Ginger of the home, Kensington; daughters, Marla (Greg) Bernard of Oro Valley, Arizona, and Carla (Jason) Hajek, of Seneca, KS; Grandsons Cooper, Carter, and Cormik Hajek, and Miles Bernard; sisters, Ruth Levin, of Kensington, KS, and Donna (Royce) Levin, of Kensington, KS along with nephews, nieces, and many friends.

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