John W.

Smith

John W. Smith, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Vancrest of Payne.

John was born on May 23, 1932 in Paulding County to the late Loy Zay and Margie L.(Priest) Smith. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. On March 31, 1956 he married Barbara Schaadt who preceded him in death on September 5, 1995. After the death of his first wife, he found love again with Betty (Colley) Deisler and they were married on September 14, 1996. Betty also preceded him in death on December 23, 2018. John worked as a machine operator at GM Powertrain - Defiance for 39 years before his retirement. He was a member of Dupont Church of the Brethren and the former Buckeye Busy Beavers Camping Club.

John will be sadly missed by his sons: Richard (Janette) Smith, Paulding, OH; Kenneth (Kathleen) Smith, Dover, OH; daughter, Marlene (Don) Kipfer, Payne, OH; stepdaughters: Pam Gray, Elkhart, IN; Maria Moleski, Elkhart, IN; sister, Mary Porter, Paulding, OH; 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and one on the way.

John was also preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Elesa Clark.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Den Herder Funeral Home with Pastor Terry Porter officiating. Burial will follow in Hedges Cemetery, Jackson Township with military rites accorded by the Paulding V.F.W. Post 587.

Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Den Herder Funeral Home. There will also be visitation from 9:00 A.M. until time of services on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to Everheart Hospice.