Avon Smith

Avon Smith, age 79, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the DSNWK House in Victoria, Kansas. He was born on June 25, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas.

He lived with his mother until he was 13. He then lived in Parsons and Norton before moving to Hays in 1973. He became a resident in 1983, of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas and attended the Reed Development Center.

Avon loved playing music for anyone and singing every Elvis and Old Rock song possible. His favorite activity was playing in his band. Avon and the Catfish. His band would play at multiple Hays establishments, including, Bijou/Chucks, Neighbars, and The Brass Rail as well as every year at the Reed Center on his birthday and any holidays parties.

He worked for Duane (Mini) and Karla Fisher for many years at different establishments in Hays, including his last job at Toby Jugs where he worked for 18 years.

In October of 2021 due to Avon's declining health Avon moved to Victoria, another group home within DSNWK. He entered into Hospice care in February 2025.

Avon is survived by his DSNWK family and staff.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Revered Troy Miller officiating. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

Memorials are suggested to DSNWK in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com