Loren L. Smith

Loren Lee Smith, 66, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at his home in rural McPherson.

He was born November 5, 1959, in McPherson, Kansas, the son of Paul Loren and Sonja Karin (Mark) Smith.

Loren attended Evangel University in Missouri, where he studied to become a minister. He was only two or three hours short of completing his degree when illness forced him to leave school. Throughout his life, Loren faced significant health challenges, having been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 19. Despite his physical limitations and never enjoying good health, he maintained a cheerful and positive outlook and met life with quiet determination.

In his younger years, Loren enjoyed a variety of interests and activities. He performed in the lead roles of several school plays, demonstrating a natural talent for the stage. He also enjoyed chess and taking chess lessons, playing the piano, and running cross-country.

As the years passed, Loren’s greatest focus became his family, friends, and church. When medical advice led him to stop working at a young age, he devoted himself to caring for his parents in their home. Despite his own disabilities and health challenges, he faithfully and lovingly cared for them, a testament to his deep devotion to his family.

Loren is survived by his sister, Cara Dietterich and her husband, John; nephews, Maxfield Dietterich and Samuel Dietterich; and cousins, Christine Langone, Raymond Williams, Diana Williams Koehn, Wayne Williams, and Carol Williams Gross.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Sonja Smith.

Per Loren’s wishes, there will be no service. Loren’s final resting place will be in McPherson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.