Gerard W. Smith, 94, of Fremont, OH passed away on January 25, 2020 at Elmwood Communities in Fremont, OH. He was born on June 27, 1925 in Fremont, the son of Valentine and Celesta (Meyer) Smith.
Gerard served in the US Army from 1943-1946 during WWII. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Campaign Stars, American Theater Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Victory Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Ribbon.
Gerard married Phyllis J. Billow on June 21, 1947 at St. Joseph Catholic Church and she preceded him in death on July 14, 2016. He was a lifelong farmer in Riley Township where he worked part time for the township and also drove truck for over thirty years driving for Liberty Highway, Spector and Suburban Motor Freight until he retired.
Gerard was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a life member of the Fremont V.F.W. He loved to spend time with his family and could often be seen driving around Riley Township in his gator picking up trash along the roads and plowing many driveways throughout the neighborhood.
Gerard is survived by his children, William Smith, Fremont, Rick (Luella) Smith, Perrysburg, Linda (Kevin) Nitschke, Lake Havasu City, AZ; grandchildren, Annette (Mark) Fisher, Derek Smith, Ryan (Heidi) Smith and Erin (Kevin) Vile; great grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Noah, Ethan, Ryleigh, Lucas, Jake, Alayna, Brenden, Samuel and Kume; sister-in-law, Joyce Smith, Fremont.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis Smith; twin brother, Gerald Smith; brothers, Ambrose, Vincent, Carl and Hillary Smith; sisters, Ruth Gonya and Susanne Overmyer and daughter-in-law, Margaret “Peg” Smith.
The family would like to thank Elmwood Communities Staff for their care given to Gerard over the past four years.
Visitation: Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH.
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, January 31, 2020; 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 550 Smith Rd., Fremont, OH with an hour of visitation prior to the service at the church.
Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.whhfh.com
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James Gonya
My sympathy in the loss of your father. The most kind and loving of the Smith Brothers. His presence will be greatly missed. Will always remember his humor at the Smith reunions. You were blessed with a wonderful and gracious father and mother.
Karen Perry
Bill, Rick, Luella, and Linda,
My deepest sympathy to you. Your parents were good friends of my mom and dad. In fact, our mothers were pretty much inseparable when they were growing up.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen (Bliss) Perry
Wendy Headley
Rick and Luella…and family. We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. He touched many lives over the years. We thank him for his service in the Army….another of the Greatest Generation has left us. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. He will be missed but he has many stories that will carry his memory. Peace to all…
Thom and Wendy (Burkett) Headley
Gary Tusen
My deepest sympathy on the death of your father. My parents and your parents were good friends. In fact the two fathers worked together driving truck.
So sorry that I will not be able to attend the visitation as I’m in Florida for the winter months. Won’t be back till May. Just know that you are in my prayers.
Shelley Gahn
Rick, Luella, and family,
Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your dad. He certainly dedicated his life to the welfare of others. It’s very hard to say goodbye. I’m thinking of you.
Shelley Mattson Gahn
Jane Gonya
My deepest and sincere sympathy to all of the Smith family. I will really miss Uncle Gerard as he was so kind, loving and a special uncle! Uncle Gerard was always there for my Mom, Ruth Gonya and his smile was genuine! God Bless You and eternal rest grant unto you!
Associated Buyers Inc.
To the Family of Gerard Smith
May loving memories bring comfort to you in this time of sadness.
With Deepest Sympathy
Associated Buyers Employees and Their Families
Edward, Sandra and Donald L. Schultz