Austin Tate Smith

Austin Tate Smith, 25, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Austin was born in Overland Park, Kansas on August 10, 1984. Growing up in Shawnee, Kansas, Austin played football and baseball. More than playing the game, he loved being around his friends and coaches. Always concerned with others before himself, he was more than willing to stay on the bench in order to get someone else in the game. Other passions of Austin's were playing competitive paintball, riding 4-wheelers, dirt-bikes, and spending time with his family and friends at the Lake of the Ozarks. He never passed up a chance to go out on the boat and enjoy a cold beverage of his choice. He was an avid sports fan and loved and supported his hometown teams; Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas City Royals.

Austin met the love of his life, Alison while she attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Alison's career took her to Denver, Colorado, where he picked up his passion for the mountains and skiing. An excellent skier, during the winter Austin would spend as much time in the mountains as his job and checking account would allow.

Austin was a loving, loyal son, friend, brother, and boyfriend. Austin admired his brother Blake. As far back as can be remembered he wanted to go everywhere his brother went. He will be forever missed by everyone that knew him. Austin was a genuine, gentle, quiet, loving soul who always put others' needs before his own.

Austin is survived by his parents Brent Ellis and Robin Lynn Smith of Shawnee; brother Blake Ellis Smith and Blake’s finance Allison Harding Cluen of Prairie Village; and loving girlfriend Alison Leslie Ward of Brookside, along with his parrot Simien. Austin also survived by his grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Austin Tate Smith Memorial Fund. Please send donations to the Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Family and friends will be greeted Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 11, 2009 at 10 am. All services will be held at Amos Family Funeral Home. A celebration of Austin's life will immediately follow at Parkway West 13030 Shawnee Mission Parkway Shawnee, Kansas 66203. A private burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas.