John William Smith, 64, of Bucyrus and formerly of Galion passed away Monday, July 13, 2015 at home unexpectedly.
Born August 23, 1950 in Galion, he was the son of John Edwin and Vivian Kathryn (Withee) Smith. He married Darla Joy (Fried) Smith on September 18, 1976 and she survives.
He attended Galion High School and served with the United States Army in Vietnam for 15 months as a helicopter mechanic. John retired from the former Gledhill Lumber Company in Galion and was a member of Galion Moose Lodge 303, Galion AMVETS and a life member of Galion VFW 4329.
John enjoyed watching various sports teams including The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians and Browns and NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon. He like to read and was a history buff. John had the gift of a great memory, recalling exact month, day and year of most events throughout his life. He would entertain family and friends by naming the presidents and the dates they were in office. But most of all, John loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by children Brian (Heather) Smith of Galion and Leslie Smith (John Howard) of Marion; grandchildren Noah Smith, Kaylie Heckert, Lillian Howard, Gage and Jesse Tolar and Kody Frye; great-grandchildren Sophia and Mia Tolar; brothers Don (Laura) Smith of Galion and Delbert (Susan) Smith of Galion and sister Linda Brown of Akron.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by grandson Drake Heckert.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833 where services will be held after calling hours at 5 p.m. with Rev. Ash Welch officiating. Following the service full military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and Galion Crestline Veterans Military Funeral Detail.
Memorial contributions may be made to Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of John Smith, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
