Wendell Charles Smith

Wendell Charles Smith was born on December 2, 1933, to Marques and Goldie Smith in a farmhouse in Leoti, Kansas. Growing up on the family farm, Wendell learned the value of hard work at an early age, spending much of his childhood working alongside his family. Those Kansas roots helped shape the man he would become.

Wendell had a lifelong love of sports. His talent as a high school basketball player earned him a scholarship to Dodge City Junior College, where he also met Ardis, the love of his life. He later continued his education at Hays Teachers College, where he enjoyed playing intramural basketball. Wendell earned his degree in physical therapy at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

Wendell and Ardis were married on July 25, 1954, beginning a wonderful life together. Over the years, they made their homes in Lawrence, Kansas City, and Wichita, Kansas, before eventually settling in Midland, Texas.

In Midland, Wendell accepted a position as a physical therapist at The Western Clinic, where he worked for six years before opening his own physical therapy practice. He became well known and highly respected throughout the Midland community, not only for his professional knowledge and skill but also for his kindness, compassion, and genuine concern for his patients. He took great pride in helping others, and many of the people he treated became more than patients—they became friends.

Wendell was a member and served on the Administrative Board of St. Marks Methodist Church.  He later joined St. Lukes United Methodist Church where he was a member until his passing.

Wendell participated in bowling leagues and tournaments for many years.  After retiring in 1993, he had even more time to enjoy sports! An avid golfer, he could often be found on the golf course several times a week. When he wasn’t playing golf, or volunteering for Meals on Wheels, he loved cheering on the Lee Rebel football team, his beloved Kansas Jayhawks, and his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. In their winning years, a Cowboys victory was always cause for excitement. In more recent years, however, Wendell learned to take their ups and downs in stride, remaining a loyal fan through it all.

As much as Wendell loved sports, nothing meant more to him than his family. He and Ardis raised three daughters and built a lifetime of memories together. Wendell was known for his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to bring laughter to almost any occasion. He loved playing games, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. Whether sharing a good joke, enjoying a little friendly competition, or simply being together, Wendell knew how to make ordinary moments memorable.

Wendell was a loving father to his three daughters, Diane (Bob) Easter, Nancy (Dave) Pickrell, and Charliss (Mike) Rodgers. He was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Chris Easter, Stephanie Foster, Erin Bass, Brett Rodgers, Dustin Pickrell, and Trevor Pickrell, and a great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren.

Wendell was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Ardis Smith; his parents, Marques and Goldie Smith; his sister, Eva Gene Gillen; his brothers, Harold Smith and Wayne Smith; and his son-in-law, Bob Easter.

We would like to thank Dr. PK Patel, the staff at Helen Greathouse Assisted Living, and the multiple caregivers who took care of him this past year.

From his early days on a Kansas farm to his years as a respected physical therapist in Midland, Wendell lived a life filled with hard work, dedication, friendship, and laughter. He found happiness in the simple pleasures—a beautiful day on the golf course, a Cowboys victory, a fishing trip, or an evening spent laughing and playing games with family.

Wendell passed away November 2, 2026 after a brief illness.  Services will be handled by Nally-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

Though he will be deeply missed, his humor and the joy he brought to others will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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