Wesley Smith

Wesley Edward "Wes the Mess" Smith, 57, of Independence, passed away at 7:03 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 at the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center where he had been admitted Thursday.

Wesley was born on Dec. 20, 1960 in Carthage, Mo., the son of Orlin D. Smith and Ruby May (Griffoth) Smith. He spent his early years in Webb City, Mo. moving to Independence in 1968.

Wesley graduated from Independence High School in 1979. He studied at the Wichita School of Aeronautics, worked at Automobile Controls Corporation, was employed for several years as a mail carrier in Coffeyville and Herington, Kansas and enjoyed working on vehicles and remodeling houses. Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Wesley was supervising a house remodeling crew.

Wesley loved music and lived by the motto, "Peace to all and Rock On."

Wesley is survived by his father, Orlin, rural Independence, his mother, Ruby, Independence, and Bruce Main, of Liberty, a brother, Allen and wife, Cindy, of Independence, a sister Alicia (Pebbles) and husband, Andy, of Coffeyville and a brother, Dustin and wife, Stephanie, of Kansas City, Mo.

Other survivors include: nephews, Austin Smith and Cooper Smart, and nieces, Shawn McGee, Amanda Smith, Torey Smart-DeWitt, Noa Smith and Sophia Foulk.

Wesley was preceded in death by his dad's wife, Phyllis Smith.

A memorial celebration of Wesley's life will be held at a later date at the Sidecar in Independence, Wes' favorite stomping grounds.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society and left at the Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel of Coffeyville, where local arrangements are being handled.

Wesley was an organ donor, and it was his desire to have his body donated to a body farm for further research.

Memorial Contributions