Kenneth "Sam" Smelley

Funeral services for Kenneth “Sam” Smelley, 91, of Corrigan will be held Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church Corrigan Family Life Center with Brother Gary Forrest officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow in the Holhausen-Darby Cemetery.

Mr. Smelley was born July 8, 1933 in Cushing, Texas to the late William Burton Smelley and Georgia Idell (Cook), and died Friday, April 25, 2025 in Corrigan, Texas.

Mr. Smelley had resided in Corrigan for most of his life. He served in the United States Army. He later retired from the Houston Police Department after 20 years of service and then retired again, after serving 15 years with the Transportation Department at Corrigan-Camden ISD.

Mr. Smelley was an avid gun collector and showed his guns in various gun shows. He was a farmer, he raised cattle and planted his own garden where he grew tomatoes and potatoes among other fruits. He was also a great skilled carpenter, those skills brought him to build his own house in Corrigan, Texas. Mr. Smelley was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include daughter-in-law, Jeanna Suttle Howton and husband Ken of Corrigan; grandson, Paul Suttle and wife Ashley Hazen of Dallas; granddaughter, Kathryn Suttle of McKinney; nieces, Ann Standley of Corrigan; Susan Hubbard and husband Hal of Corrigan, Debra Vitanza and husband Vic of Livingston; sisters-in-law, Billie Smelley of Conroe, Janice Swain and husband Bill of Round Rock, Pat Margiotta and husband Joe of Cypress; numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Loy Nell Smelley; son, Wes Suttle; brothers, Wyman and Alton Smelley; and sister, Loleta Manry.

Pallbearers will be Paul Suttle, Dylan Casper, Andrew Casper, Joel Seago, Scott Anderson and Ralph Keller.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Houston Police Burial Fund P.O. Box 582, Fresno, Texas 77545.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Corrigan Family Life Center prior to the services.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Corrigan, directors.