Search by Name

Search by Name

Steven Smelser Obituary

Steven Craig Smelser

Steven Craig Smelser, "The Button Man" was born July 22, 1952 in Topeka and died February 4, 2014 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Steve was the Bert Nash 2011 Supported Employment Employee of the Year. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Smelser, Lawrence, sisters Sherrie Christian, Rossville, Deanna (Dee) Bisel, Lawrence, and brother Lyle Duane Smelser, Jr., Montrose, Colorado and several nieces and nephews. A private family graveside service will be held in the spring at Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, KS. Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Feb. 6, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Smelser

Not sure what to say?





John and Judy Inverarity

February 7, 2014

Steve was a great guy.We will miss him.Our thoughts and prayers to his family.

Kenna Rothwell

February 7, 2014

Always so caring and a big smile on his face. He will be missed.

Jan Pool

February 6, 2014

So sorry to hear we lost Steve! Such a light in the community! ButtonMan We miss you!

Joanne Smelser

February 6, 2014

My sincere sympathy to all those who loved Steve.

Such sweet memories of Steve.

He was so friendly, kind, and always willing to take the time to visit and share his interests. Steve's love and skill with numbers was amazing. He seemed to be always busy and I admired the way he made the most of every day. How quickly the years have passed since those times...

Safe Journey Home, Steve.

Clara Holladay

February 6, 2014

Steve, you will be missed.

Steve Hall

February 6, 2014

I cannot count the times Steve put a smile on my face. But he could! All of us at Boelte-Hall will miss him greatly. Whenever he visited us to pick up or drop off something the place felt just a little lighter.

Dave Hahn

February 6, 2014

It was always a pleasure when Steve would visit, because he counted every word I said. He was such a nice guy and will be missed.

Carmen Hocking

February 6, 2014

So very sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories you will have forever.

Gary Bisel

February 6, 2014

So sorry for your loss Dee. May the fond memories of Steve sustain you during this time of difficulty. I remember Steve as a creative and energetic young man.

Dee & Todd Power

February 6, 2014

So sorry to hear about Steve. Please tell Dorothy we are thinking about her and the family.

David Spangler

February 6, 2014

Steve was such a good guy. He was the best.

Clenece Hills

February 6, 2014

Steve brought joy and light to the 2004 Lawrence Sesquicentennial Celebration. I treasure my buttons from that event and I remember fondly all my interactions with this remarkable man. I extend my sincere to all of his family. I believe that Steve knew he was loved and appreciated, and I am so glad for that.

February 6, 2014

So sorry to hear about Steven. I went to school with him at State Street and Holiday in Topeka. I remember that smile from back in school. Haven't seen him in years except the newspaper story about him and his wife here in Lawrence. Prayers to his family.

February 6, 2014

Sherrie, Roger, Deanna, and family, So sorry to read of the death of your brother. We remember a time when he brought great joy to our neighborhood....he was driving a mobile grocery store truck, parked it in front of Christians...Blake got to go inside, and he was thrilled to see "a traveling store." May it comfort you to know that others care.

Patricia Chapman

February 6, 2014

I knew Steve when I lived at Babcock Place he always had that big smile on his face and would do anything for anyone.

Susan Spencer

February 6, 2014

Steve was such a jolly soul and always had a smile on his face. Now he can join his wife Barbara. RIP

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
in Steven Smelser's name

Memorial Events
for Steven Smelser

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Steven's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Steven Smelser's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more