Estel Thayne Smith was born on January 5, 1929, in Healy, Kansas to Paul Bliss Smith and Myrtle Ruby (Nolte) Smith. He passed from this life on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at his home in Claremore, Oklahoma at the age of 92 years. Thayne is a native of Kansas and resident of Claremore, Oklahoma, an award-winning author, editor, writer, photographer and public relations professional, with a distinguished journalism career spanning more than 70 years. He is a past president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America OWAA), Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW), Outdoor Communicators of Kansas (OCK), and the former Great Rivers Outdoor Writers (GROW). Additionally, he is an honorary life member of the Missouri Outdoor Communicators (MOC) and Texas Outdoor Writers Association (TOWA), is a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) and a Heritage member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). In his early career, Estel served as a reporter and editor on daily newspapers at Newton, Garden City and Salina, Kansas, and later as editor of Kansas Outdoors, Kansas Fish & Game, Bassin’, Crappie, Popular Lures and Winning magazines. He also served in public relations posts with numerous outdoor recreation related firms, including the Coleman Company, Kansas Highway Commission (now KDOT), Kansas Fish & Game Commission (now KDWPT), Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), w Corporation and Lowrance Electronics. Thayne has won many awards for his writing and photography, and was elected in 2012 to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, Legendary Communicator Division. Those he leaves behind who hold many cherished memories include;
2 Sons;
Kellard Smith and wife Jennie
Scott Smith and wife Karen
4 Stepchildren;
Jeff Hansen
Patti Braun and husband Allen
Richard Hansen and wife Jane
Kim Kiebler and husband John
And a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Myrtle, 7 brothers, 1 sister, his first wife, Doris Ruth (Burgert) Smith Thompson, and his late wife, Joan Marie (Nail) Hansen Smith.
2 Sons;
Kellard Smith and wife Jennie
Scott Smith and wife Karen
4 Stepchildren;
Jeff Hansen
Patti Braun and husband Allen
Richard Hansen and wife Jane
Kim Kiebler and husband John
And a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Myrtle, 7 brothers, 1 sister, his first wife, Doris Ruth (Burgert) Smith Thompson, and his late wife, Joan Marie (Nail) Hansen Smith.
