Russell "Smitty" Smith Obituary (1929 - 2021)

Russell E. "Smitty" Smith, age 91 of Wymore passed away at his home on March 2, 2021. He was born in Hubbard, Ohio on May 11, 1929 to Elmer and Olive (Pritchard) Smith. Smitty served his country in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1950. On July 16, 1972, he was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Shaw. He worked as a conductor for the Erie Lackawana Railroad, drove the school bus, was a custodian for Southern Public Schools, and drove the handi-bus. He was a member of the Wymore Church of Christ where he participated in the Christian Builders Class; member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen; and the Anderson Post 25 American Legion in Wymore. Smitty enjoyed calligraphy, watching the news and sports, was an avid Ohio State fan, and liked to ride bikes and walk his dog in the park. Survivors include his wife, Barb; daughters, Joan Katz and husband Jay of Aurora, CO, Jayne Dunham and husband Dick of Littleton, CO, and Judy Morris and husband Rocky of Meridian, ID; grandchildren, Brie, Ryan, and Dustin; great granddaughter, Annie; stepchildren, Doreen Williams of Blue Springs, Justeen (Robert) Hammett of Austintown, OH, and Jerry Reese, Jr. of Aurora, IN; step grandchildren, Tracie, Lestie, Tiffany, Chelsie, Amber, Jessica, Christina, and Kurtis; 11 step great grandchildren; brother, Don Smith of Wymore; and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Alice Williams. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Wymore Church of Christ with Clayton Lundstedt officiating. Burial of ashes will be at the Omaha National Cemetery. There will be no viewing or visitation, but a register book will be available at the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore on Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may go to the family's choice for future designation. Sign Smitty's online register book at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore.