David Smoot

David K. Smoot, 92, passed away quietly at his home in Overland Park, KS on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

He was the son of Baylis Kyger Smoot and Mildred Tritle Smoot of Salina, KS.

His sister, Lynn DeGhetto of Norwell, MA, predeceased him in October 2013.

He is survived by his former wife, Anita Otis, Independence, MO; his brother-in-law, David DeGhetto, Norwell, MA; niece, Deanna Marsh, Overland Park, KS; nephew, Howard Bos, Richmond, VA as well as two grandnieces, Samantha Bos, Mt. Pleasant, SC and Victoria Bos, Richmond, VA.

David’s father, BK Smoot, was active in the grain business and started the use of country elevators in Salina, KS. Following time in the Army in the Second World War, David obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University. Upon graduating from college, he worked for Archer Daniels Milling Company. This is where he learned how bulk material was moved and processed which spurred a desire to design and build these types of systems for others. He made a $4,000 investment to start his business, Smoot Company, and built his first pneumatic conveying system in 1960. Over the years he kept the patent office busy with designs of rail car unloaders, rotary valves and diverter valves obtaining over ten patents in the industry. Mr. Smoot was sole owner from 1960 until his retirement when Smoot Company merged with Taylor Products in 2001 creating Magnum Systems, which remains in operation today.

David Smoot leaves a legacy in the pneumatic conveying industry that will be remembered by many.

David’s friends and family would like to thank Barr Private Care for providing personal care and assistance making David’s last several years comfortable and dignified.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy: Kansas chapter.