Gary Vaughan Smith

Gary Vaughan Smith, 88, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Olathe, KS, of natural causes.

Born in Monroe, Louisiana, on October 22, 1937, Gary spent his childhood in Monroe, graduating from Ouachita High School in 1955. He met his future wife, Bobbie Sue McBurney Smith, at a summer church camp, and they were married on January 8, 1957.

Gary was a lifelong minister of the Church of the Nazarene, serving congregations and ministries in Louisiana, North Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Beyond ministry, Gary’s passion was pianos; beginning as an apprentice at age 14 in Monroe, LA, he went on to enjoy an illustrious career as a certified Steinway & Sons and Baldwin piano Technician, although he never met a piano that he did not love.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Bobbie Sue McBurney Smith, his parents, James Marvin and Janie Louise (Gardner) Smith, and his younger sister, Marlene Main (Bob). He is survived by his children: Garon H. Smith (Melanie) of Gardner, KS; Karen Smith Parker (John) of Yukon, OK; Cheryl Smith Johnson (Greg) of Olathe, KS; and Gerald W. Smith (Dianna) of Olathe, KS.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Micah Smith (Leslie) and their children Harper & Theo; Krystal Leitner (Phil) and their children Iggy, Ever, and Indie; Nathan Johnson (Sydney) and daughter Eilee; Gentry Smith (Miranda); Avery Finch (Miles) and their daughter Thaeadora; Grayson Smith (McKenzie) and their children Hazel & Wilhelmina; Noah Smith (Hannah); Gerald Smith II; Jared Parker; and Allison Van Fossen (McKenzie); as well as two step-grandchildren, Matt Johnson and Patrick Johnson. He also leaves behind his most favored brother-in-law, Charlie Simpson, and many nieces and nephews.

Honorary Pallbearers: Micah Smith, Phillip Leitner, Nathan Johnson, Gentry Smith, Miles Finch, Grayson Smith, Noah Smith, Gerald Smith II, and Jared Parker.

A private service and inurnment will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable contributions be made to Pianos For People (www.pianosforpeople.org), and/or the Good Samaritan Society(www.good-sam.com).