Alvin L. "Al" Smith, 99, passed away Sept. 24, 2014, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born Sept. 23, 1915, in Council Grove, Kan., the son of Arthur and Agnes (Rowland) Smith.

When Alvin was 8, the family moved to Crystal River, Fla., as his father, an engineer, was engaged in the construction of a hotel. Following the divorce of his parents, Alvin moved to his grandfather and grandmother Rowland's farm near Emporia. He attended school in Emporia and later moved to Hutchinson, graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1933. He attended Hutchinson Junior College before moving to Wellsville, Kan., and worked as a telegrapher-station agent for the Santa Fe Railroad.

On Oct. 23, 1937, he married Pauline Merideth in Wellsville, Kan. They moved back to Hutchinson in 1941.

Alvin worked for C.W. Kelley Transport Co. as traffic manager. He served his country during World War II under military command directing the distribution of fuel to 13 air bases in Kansas. He retired in 1979, after 26 years as traffic and sales manager for Eaton Metal Products, with home offices in Omaha, Neb. Following retirement, the Smiths traveled to 48 states, parts of Canada and Mexico, enjoying over 20 bus tours. He has published two books of his impressions and experiences during his life. Alvin taught Sunday school for more than 60 years, starting with junior high boys, on to senior high boys and girls, then young married couples and lastly senior citizens. He was a longtime member of the Barbershop Chorus in Hutchinson. He loved to garden and read all kinds of books, especially history. Alvin was an ordained Elder of the former Forest Park Presbyterian Church, now New Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include: his wife of 76 years, Pauline; son, Michael Smith and wife Carolyn of Los Alamos, N.M.; daughter, Pam Knoche and husband Farrell of South Hutchinson; four grandchildren, Connie Peterson and husband Roy of Rio Rancho, N.M., Debbie Norman and husband Ben of Los Alamos, N.M., Russell Smith and his wife Kristin of Berthoud, Colo., and Jeff Miller and wife Lynette of Hutchinson; seven great-grandchildren, Lauren and Riley Peterson, Paige and Morgan Miller, Cole and Campbell Smith and Grace Norman; three nieces, Lynn, Diane and Kim Burdick; and two nephews, David Burdick and Bob Smith. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis "Bud" Smith, and a sister, Mary Ellen Burdick.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Rev Dr. Joe Rychcik and Rev. Tom Robson officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home, and a private family graveside service will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson or Interfaith Housing, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson KS 67501.