James Edward “Eddie” Smedley 82 of Thayer Kansas passed away at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. James Edward Smedley was born on August 26, 1942 in Thayer, Kansas to Albert and Dorothy (Kirk) Smedley. Eddie was a proud graduate of Thayer High School in 1960. On January 22, 1961 Eddie married Joyce Ann Burgan at the Thayer Christian Church. The two enjoyed 41 years until Joyce’s passing on February 14, 2002. Eddie then married Mary Ellen Zaragosa on September 20, 2003; she survives of the home.
Eddie worked at Frito Construction and Beachner Construction as a Superintendent for 46 years until he retired in 2004. Eddie was very active in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He coached many teams through the years and attended every ball game and school event. He also loved to hunt, fish, garden and spend time outdoors. He spent countless hours in the watermelon patch harvesting the delicious Smedley Watermelons.
He is preceded in death by his wife Joyce, granddaughter, Cami Umbarger, great grandchildren, Hollie Betts, Jaxon Betts, and Averie Betts, sisters, Betty Smith and Helen Fogel, brother, Sonny Smedley, stepson, Barry Welch, and his parents. Eddie’s memory will carry on with his wife, Mary Ellen, children, LaDonna Umbarger (Mike), Cindy Colbert (William), Dee Botkin (Vernon), and Terry Smedley (Ruby), stepchildren, Tina Byers (Mike), Jess Welch, and Shelly Barnow (Rob), brother, Vernie Smedley (Glenda), 25 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the Thayer Christian Church on Tuesday, October 1st with the family greeting friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Thayer Christian Church on Wednesday, October 2 n d at 10:00 with burial immediately following at Thayer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be left to Countryside Funeral Home. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit, www.countrysidefh. com .
