Richard H. Smith

Richard H. Smith, 80, of East Liberty, Ohio, passed away at his home on Sunday morning February 15, 2009. He was born March 31, 1928, in Logan County Ohio, the son of the late Clifford J. and Dorothy K. Downing Smith. On May 26, 1948, 58 years ago, he married Lois J. Sampson Smith and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2005. Also deceased is a son, Richard D. Smith; brother, Charles Smith; sister, Jean Burns; a grandchild and a great grandchild.

He is survived by sons, Dan (Karen) Smith of Austin, Texas, Donald Smith of Bellefontaine, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Jane Smith of Zanesfield, Ohio; 3 brothers, Clifford, Roger and John Smith, 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Richard was a member and Past Master of Mad River Lodge #161 Free and Accepted Masons of West Liberty Ohio, and the Wood Rosebrook Post #745 of the American Legion in East Liberty. He served his country in the United States Navy during WW II on the USS St. Paul and the USS New York, later in occupied Japan. Richard was a proud graduate of Benjamin Logan High School, class of 2008, as an honorary graduate for his service during WWII.

He was a retired car inspector for the New York Central and Conrail Railroads.

The Rev. A.W. Purdin will conduct the funeral service at 1:00 P. M. on Thursday, February 19, 2009, at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine, where calling hours are from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. A Masonic Service will be held at 5:30 P.M. on Wednesday evening. Burial will be in the East Liberty Cemetery with Military Honors by the Logan County Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences to the family may be expressed at  www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com