Walter Gerald Smith

Walter G. Smith, 96, passed away May 16, 2024, in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born May 3, 1928, in Fort Wayne, the son of Ralph H. and Catherine (Meyer) Smith. Walter was raised on the family farm on Thompson Road, on the south side of Fort Wayne. They were a very close family, a bond that continues through the generations of the Smith family down to this day. He graduated from Hoagland High School in 1947. He married Marian (Wick) on October 11, 1952. They lived in Indianapolis for the first 3 years of their marriage. They then returned to Fort Wayne and built a house together in “Smithville” where they raised their 3 children and where Walter lived until his death. As a family they enjoyed studying the Bible together, taking vacations, camping, and spending time with family and friends. He dedicated his life to Jehovah on February 7, 1959, and was a member of the Tillman Park Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He loved to share the Bible’s hope with all he met, doing so down to the day of his death. Walter worked as a truck driver for various companies in Fort Wayne including Sherman White & Co., Container Corporation of America, and Anderson Motor Service/Ok Trucking. After retiring in 1989, he and Marian enjoyed traveling, especially to Arizona and Florida for the winters. He loved spending time with his family, especially if food was involved. Walter had a tremendous sense of humor and loved to laugh even if the joke was on him. He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds outside as well as his parakeets inside. He loved to be outside and enjoyed riding his golf cart up and down the road. He lived a full and active life up until his death. He is survived by his children, Walter J. (Julie) Smith, Cheryl (Jon, deceased) Brodbeck, and Connie (Mark) Schabow, all of Fort Wayne, brothers, Calvin and Melvin Smith, sister, Gloria Close, 8 grandchildren (Stacie, Cammie, Justin, Kristi, Jaime, Leah, Danielle, Andrew) and 5 great grandchildren (Aidan, Emma, Victoria, Avery, Adina) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Marian J. Smith, siblings, Thelma Clem, Laverne Myer, Roy Smith, Russell Smith, Malvina Tindall, Marietta Shive, Ruth Oetting, and Ralph L. Smith. Memorial service will be Saturday, June 22, 2:00pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 6000 Abbott Street. Private burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com