Daric S. Smith

Daric Scott Smith, 64, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

He was born on March 28, 1961, in Liberal, Kansas, to Eugene Linn Smith and Elizabeth Mae (Davis) Smith. Daric grew up in Liberal, where he was active in forensics, wrestling and Boy Scouts. He graduated from Liberal High School in 1979 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kansas in 1984 and Juris Doctor from Washburn University in 1987.

Daric married Mary Elaine Dunbar on August 8,1987 in Denver, Colorado. They shared 38 years together.

He was a gifted writer, avid reader, private pilot, grammar enthusiast and expert Spades player at numerous family gatherings. He also played tennis and golf. Daric was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was involved in many service organizations over the years including White Lakes Optimist Club, Kansas Bar Association, and CASA.

Daric practiced as an attorney in both the private and public sectors including Skinner and Smith; Hamilton, Peterson, Tipton & Keeshan, Schroer & Rice, the State of Kansas Departments of Health and Environment, Children and Families, and Labor. Daric’s passion for advocating for children dominated much of his professional life.

Survivors include wife, Mary Dunbar-Smith of Topeka; sons, Devon Linn Smith and wife Cari of Wichita; Sean Patrick Smith and partner Aastha Patel of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; sister, Tracey Lindeen and husband Larry of Houston, Texas; brother, Porter Smith and wife Terri of Holton, Kansas; in-laws and close friends Jennifer and Ouvieng Voravong of Kansas City, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved cats, Carmel, Max, and Sam.

The family will receive friends at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, March 6, with praying of the rosary at 7:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 7, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka.

Celebrate Daric’s love for cats through memorial contributions to the Cat Association of Topeka, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.