Virgil Leland Smith, Jr.

Virgil Leland Smith, Jr., born on May 11, 1929, in Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025. Son of Virgil Leland Sr. and Ferne Harriett (LaForge) Smith, Virgil's early life was marked by frequent relocations that took him across Oregon, Washington State, and various cities in Kansas, including a fond teenage chapter in Richmond, Kansas, where he labored on the farm of Phil and Leona Fanning, who became his foster parents.

Virgil's journey in life led him to marry Janet M. Moore on September 28, 1979. Together, they enjoyed a loving partnership that spanned forty-six years, filled with shared experiences and mutual support. In 1951, he began his career in the insurance sector, working initially with his ex-father-in-law, Jay Todd, before establishing his own business, which later expanded to include a bonding business with Jan joining him in 1971. His dedication and expertise in the field were recognized when he was nominated for Insurance Commissioner in 1958, and in 2021, the Kansas Insurance Department honored him with a letter of congratulations for maintaining an insurance license since 1951.

A devoted member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Virgil contributed actively to the congregation by reading the liturgy and sharing his voice in the choir. His varied interests colored his life vividly; he found joy in stamp collecting, classical music, and Sousa marches, often filling his neighborhood with the sounds of his beloved military bands. In addition to his musical pursuits, Virgil showcased his theatrical talents by portraying the doctor in “Cheaper by the Dozen” at the Ottawa Area Community Theatre (A.C.T.) in 1994. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, proudly cheering for his teams.

Virgil is survived by his beloved wife, Jan, and their family, which includes daughter Sue E. Harsch of Garnett, Kansas; son Mark E. Smith (Ruth) of Lenexa, Kansas; step-sons Tony D. Moore (Susan) of Ottawa, Kansas, and Brian E. Moore of Princeton, Kansas; sister Jean Beaird of Thousand Palms, California; and foster-brother Terry Fanning (Lillian) of Eskridge, Kansas. He is also cherished by his granddaughters Lisa Caylor (David) and Alyse Sykes (Donald); grandsons Gary Caylor (Jessica), Adam Caylor (Caryn), and Jordon Smith (Samantha); as well as several step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Virgil is preceded in death by his parents, his foster parents, daughter Kimberly Jo Smith, brother Donald Taylor Smith, sisters Charlotte Moore and Mary Lou Harkness, niece Tina Marie Thompson, and nephew Chuck Thompson.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa. Graveside services will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10 AM at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. Virgil Leland Smith, Jr. will be remembered for his loving spirit, commitment to family, and the indelible mark he has left on the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Ottawa Memorial Auditorium c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

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