Maynard Dexter "Doc" Smith, 83, Hays, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at Hays Good Samaritan Center.

He was born May 17, 1926, in Mankato to Milo Monte and Cleo (Coyler) Smith. He was a 1944 graduate of Salina High School.

He married Barbara Elder on May 17, 1966, in Albion, Ill. He worked in sales for Singer sewing machines, construction work and followed his father's talent as a piano tuner throughout central and western Kansas for 20 years. He regularly wrote political commentary for the opinion page of The Hays Daily News.

He was an avid gardener and loved to spend time with "Lucky," his cat.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; three sons, Monte Smith and wife, Angel, and Matthew Smith, all of Hays, and Ty Smith and wife, Jane, Oklahoma; a daughter, Beccy Robertson and husband, John, Washington; two sisters, Donna Lee Smith and Elaine Smith, California; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at North Oak Community Church, Hays.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Brock's North Hill Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, and from noon until time of service Monday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Maynard Smith Memorial Fund with the designation to be determined at a later date in care of the funeral home.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or brocksnorthhill@ruraltel.net.