Wayne A. Smith

Wayne A. Smith, 93, of Norwalk, Ohio passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and friends.  He was born on July 30, 1927 to the late Bertice Smith and the late Elizabeth (Johnston) Burns.  He attended Prospect School in Republic, Ohio. 

A “go getter” from an early age, at 8, Wayne had his own paper route, at 16, he was building houses for Moser Construction.  He farmed for a few years and worked at Eastern States Exchange and Ag Way Mills in Huron, Ohio.  While working at the Mills, he also worked for Restlawn Cemetery.  He later began working at Sheller Globe as a metal finisher and shop chairman for UAW 1379, where he also served as financial secretary for the UAW, negotiating several contracts between Sheller Globe and the union.

Happiness for Wayne was watching Gunsmoke daily, or a John Wayne movie.  He enjoyed camping and fishing and during the summer could often be found at the Huron River Campgrounds.  His dogs, “Dinkus Jones” and “Ike” provided him with great joy and love but most of all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.  There were many card games, picnics, birthday parties and family reunions.  Wayne will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.   

Survivors include his children, Wayne L. (Karen) Smith of Clayton, IN, Lynda Patchen of Glendale, AZ, Darlene Smith of Milan, OH and Michael Smith of Milan, OH; 4 grandchildren, Rick Lacy, Phil (Kate) Smith, Adam (Lisa) Smith and Summer (Nate) Minier; 8 great grandchildren, Isaiah, Lily, Sarah, Allison, Giavonna, Eric, Colton and Carlee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Loretta Smith; grandson, Eric Smith, first wife, Laura Smith, brother, William Smith; sisters, Betty Ann Leow, Shirley Williams and Lillian Layfield and nephew William Smith Jr.  

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio 44857. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Meadow Green Memorial Park Cemetery, in the Chapel of Resurrection (on the West side of the cemetery closest to Camp Rd.), 2602 Bogart Road, Huron, Ohio 44839. Visitors are required to bring a wear a mask or face covering and are encouraged to practice all social distancing and mass gathering guidelines. The funeral home has a limited capacity, so guests should be prepared for the possibility of waiting outside.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 55 Whittlesey Avenue, Norwalk, Ohio 44857, Huron CAC Headstart, 92 North Prospect Street, Norwalk, Ohio 44857, or the Norwalk Food Bank, 99 Whittlesey Avenue, Norwalk, Ohio 44857.  Online condolences to the family may be expressed by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com

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