David Barten Smith

David Barten Smith, affectionately known as “Dave,” of Coffeyville, Kansas and formerly of Hutchinson, Kansas, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Augusta, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Coffeyville.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Calvary Cemetery in Augusta, Kansas.

David was born on March 17, 1952, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to the late Lois Marie (Holcomb) Smith and Barten Harold Smith. He was 74 at the time of His passing.

Dave graduated from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville in 1970 and continued his education at Coffeyville Community College, graduating in 1972. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and went on to receive a Master of Arts degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary.

Music was a meaningful part of Dave’s life. He played the stand-up bass and the sousaphone throughout his high school and college years and often fondly recalled performing with the Kansas State marching band at a Kansas City Chiefs game—an experience made even more special knowing his family was watching him on television. He loved big band and jazz music. He also spent time playing in a bluegrass band, sharing his love for music with others.

Dave had a wide range of interests and a deep curiosity about the world. He was an avid reader, with well-worn copies of The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit series that reflected how often he returned to those stories. He enjoyed detective shows, loved playing cards, and we knew him as one of the best card shufflers around. His remarkable memory allowed him to recall details on topics ranging from military history and classic Hollywood to baseball and family stories.

He spent his working years faithfully serving in a variety of roles, including as an auto parts clerk, school custodian, and employee at Walmart and Sam’s Club.

In his later years, Dave converted to Catholicism and became deeply involved in church life. He served faithfully at St. James Catholic Church in Augusta as a lector and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He later continued his service at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville. His faith was evident to all who knew him. At the Assisted Living place he was at till the end, those living there told us that when he would get up from the dinner table he would tell those sitting there, “I’ll see you later or in heaven, one way or another.”

Dave will be remembered for his storytelling, his sharp wit, and his warmth. He had a special way of making people feel valued, often greeting loved ones by calling them his “favorite” brother, sister, baby sister, niece, or nephew—a phrase that became one of his trademarks.

He is survived by his sister, Cheryl Kaufman and husband Gene of Valley Center, Kansas; his brother, Rev. Dick Smith and wife Diana of Coffeyville, Kansas; his sister, Cathy Hoyt and husband Bill of Windsor, Colorado; and his nieces and nephews, Sarah Lazear, Aaron (Nina) Hoyt, Anna (Tyler) Cloud, Omar Shifrin, Lillian Lance, Casey (Jessica) Smith, Katie (Aaron) Mussat, and Kenzie Smith, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. James Building Fund or St. James Knights of Columbus, 1012 Belmont, Augusta, KS 67010.

Dave’s life was marked by faith, humor, and a genuine love for people. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.