Edward Smith

Edward was born on October 17, 1927 in Connersville to John and Eva Jane Steele Smith. He spent most of his professional career as a tool and die maker at the Ford Plant in Connersville and retired with over thirty years of service.

Ed enjoyed traveling, especially with his late wife, Bette. They enjoyed going on cruises and going to Florida on vacation. The love of Edward’s life was his family. He also loved spending time with them on trips and at home. He enjoyed movies, television and was an avid player of video games.

Edward was a veteran of World War II where he was a part of the 101st Airborne Division. He was one of the first to be dropped into France during the D-Day invasion and Bastogne. While in the Army he earned the Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and the coveted Parachutist’s Badge. After his tour in Europe he spent many years serving in the National Guard unit in Connersville.

In addition to his parents, Edward is preceded in death by his wife Bette June Minneman Smith. He leaves behind a daughter Sande Smith Hardy and her husband Randy of Cary, North Carolina, and a son, Dan Smith and his wife, Debbie of Cincinnati, Ohio. Furthermore, he was grandfather to Cortney Miller, Cassie Hardy, Micah Smith, and Jen Eddy. In the last few years of his life he was blessed with two great-grandsons, Holton Miller and Ryker Eddy.

There will be a time of visitation at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, from 12 to 1pm on Wednesday, June 12th. The service will then be held at Showalter-Blackwell-Long at 1p.m. with Edward’s son, Rev. Dr. Dan Smith, officiating. Interment will follow in Valley Grove Cemetery, in southern Wayne County, with full military honors by the Fayette County Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Edward can be made to Immanuel United Church of Christ, 210 Jefferson Avenue, St. Bernard, OH 45217. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.