Arthur Richardson Smith, 63, passed away on January 6, 2021, at his home. He was born September 15, 1957, in Takoma Park, MD, to John Coventry Smith, Jr. and Barbara Polley Smith. On January 12, 1996, Arthur married Mary ‘Chris’ Ediger in Wichita. They shared almost 25 years of marriage.
He was passionate about education and was, himself, a lifelong learner. Arthur graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD, in 1975. He graduated from Earlham College in Richmond, IN, and then received a master’s degree from Friends University in Wichita, KS. Arthur was proud of his work as the Executive Director for Faculty Affairs at Southwestern College Professional Studies in Winfield, KS, and shared his passion for education with both students and faculty, as he was a fierce advocate for both.
Arthur enjoyed photography and watching wildlife. He and his wife, Chris, regularly volunteered at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Strong City, KS, participating in butterfly counts, bird watching, and habitat preservation projects. Arthur was also very family-oriented and known for being purposeful in his family relationships.
He is survived by his wife, Mary ‘Chris’ Smith of Pretty Prairie; son and daughter-in-law, Duncan and Bridget Hopewell of Irving, TX; father, John Coventry Smith, Jr. and his wife Sheila Ciampi of Largo and Naples, FL; brother and sister-in-law, David Smith and Jana Leslie of Durango, CO; and grandchildren, Tobias and Piper Hopewell.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Polley Smith.
Cremation has taken place. Given his great concern for the health of his family and friends, no services are planned at this time. A memorial service will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.