Samuel Kenneth Curtis Smith was born April 3, 1998 in Overland Park, Kansas and departed this life on April 16, 2017, at the age of 19 years, at his home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family and in the arms of his mother.
He was the son of Anthony Eric and Amy Brendecke Smith. Sam was a fun loving, fiery red-head who was always out in the neighborhood kicking the ball, lifeguarding at the Raintree Lake Pool, shooting some baskets with friends, attending Colonial Presbyterian where he was a devoted member, and spending time with his family including his two bulldogs and cat.
At the age of 13, Sam was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, but never let his cancer define who he was as a person. He went on to graduate from Lee’s Summit West High School in 2016 where he was a member of the Boys Swim Team and Honorary Captain of the Titan Football Team. Sam excelled in sports, but was also a leader in school, and more importantly in life. He was a caring friend and adviser to many. Sam became a much sought after inspirational speaker, sharing his story of his “journey through cancer” with many clubs, organizations, and news stations.
Sam was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Eric Smith on August 6, 2016 and his paternal grandfather, Curtis Smith. He is survived by his mother, Amy Brendecke Smith of the home; two brothers, Henry Smith and Oliver Smith both of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; one sister, Stella Smith of the home; paternal grandmother, Pat Smith of Shawnee, Kansas; maternal grandparents, Roger and Marian Brendecke of Chesterfield, Missouri; his girlfriend, Liz Haus of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.
Cremation has been accorded.
A Memorial Service, honoring the life of Samuel Kenneth Curtis Smith will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114, with Pastor Jim West officiating.
The family will receive friends and family from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2017, at the church. Contributions “In Memory of Samuel Kenneth Curtis Smith” may be made to “Superman Sam Smith Memorial Fund” GoFundMe page, BagsOfFunKansasCity.org, VictoryKC.org, and Make-A-Wish Kansas City.
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