From the Willshire Photo Star; Sept. 4, 2013 pg. 3

Dwight E. Smith, 91, died on August 24, 2013, in the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, Van Wert.

He was born on January 13, 1922 in Fleming, Ohio, Washington County, to the late Frank and Lenore (Flowers) Smith.

He graduated from Barlow Rural High School in 1939 and from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture Education in 1947. He was active in the agricultural fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho. World War II interrupted his undergraduate degree for 3.5 years, when he served in the Army, Artillery and Infantry Division.

Mr. Smith taught High School Vocational Agriculture for ten years for the Crestview Local School District, the Marsh Foundation School, the Lincolnview Local School District, and the Van Wert City Schools. He served on the Crestview School Board for one term. While teaching at Crestview he served as the "Future Farmers of America" advisor and started the Crestview alumni, the Young Farmers Association. For 15 years, Dwight was the Manager of the USDA - Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in Van Wert County, now known as the USDA Farm Service Agency. He worked with the Convoy Equity Exchange, Plant Food Manager for 15 years. He owned a farm in Paulding County and farmed all his life. Early in his married life, he raised and bred Boxer dogs. In the 1970s, he served on the Van Wert County Cooperative Extension Farm Focus Committee.

Throughout his life, Mr. Smith encouraged education, conservation of natural resources and innovative farming practices. He was a loyal supporter of the Convoy community and The Ohio State University. He was a member of the Convoy United Methodist Church.

Preceded in death, was his loving wife of 65 years, Rae (Mouser) Smith.

Surviving are a son, Dwight Alan Smith and daughter-in-law Katherine Norden-Smith of North Potomac, Maryland; a daughter, Susan Rae Smith Shockey and son-in-law Thomas Shockey of New Albany, Ohio/Annandale, Virginia; and grandchildren, Alana Rae Shockey (husband Matthew Mele) of Columbus, and Kathryn Ruth (Fiance': Richard Wood) Shockey of New Albany. Surviving brother and sisters include brother Donald Irving Smith (Mary), San Luis Obispo, California; and sisters, Dorothy Smith Billman (John, deceased), Columbus; Ruth Smith Trotter (Denny), Vincent, Ohio; Alfreda Smith Roland (Verl), Fleming; and Adeline Smith Anderson (Jack), Fleming. In addition, 13 nieces and nephews and their families survive.

Funeral services were held Thursday August 29, at Gearhart-Jurczyk Funeral Home, Convoy, with the Rev. Greg Leigh officiating. Burial was in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Convoy Community Foundation, Van Wert County OSU Cooperative Extension Service, Convoy United Methodist Church.


Contributed by Elaine Mihm Geyer