This is the obituary for Bill Smith, Principal of Van Horn from 1990 to 1996 when he retired.

WILLIAM ORVAL SMITH

William O. Smith, 66, of Independence, MO, passed away February 11, 2002 at his home. He was born in Independence on July 6, 1935. He was a graduate of William Chrisman High School, Missouri Valley College, Marshall, MO, Drury College, Springfield, MO and an education administration certificate from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Mr. Smith taught and coached at Smithville High School, Smithville, MO Hillcrest High School, Sringfield, MO, Moberly Junior College, Moberly, MO and Truman High School, Independence. As an administrator at West, Westport and Paseo High Schools and Martin Luther Junior High. During the 1970's, he participated in a recruitment program for the UMKC medical school. He retired after seven years as principal of Van Horn High School. He was inducted into the Missouri Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984 and the William Chrisman High School Football Hall of Fame in 1993. He was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jacqueline Ann (Wiley); sons, Chris Smith, Randy Smith (wife Mendy), Tim Smith and daughter, Susan Smith-Reed; mother, Helen Reed; sister, Phyllis Smith; six grandsons; and a large extended family. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 23, at Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 East 39th Street, Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to Christ United Methodist Church or Missouri Valley College, Marshall, MO. The family would like to extend its thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Cancer Center at the KU Medical Center for their extraordinary care and compassion.