Ricky A Smithhart

‍Rick was born on August 8, 1949, to Paul and Mary Smithhart in Evansville Indiana. After graduating from Francis Joseph Reitz High School where he lettered in football, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1967 and served valiantly in country with the Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron based out of Marine Corps Air Station, Santa Ana California during the Vietnam War.

He returned to the United States in 1969 and soon met his first wife, Judy Simington, while stationed in Santa Ana, CA. He was soon married on November 22. 1969 and then had his first child, Jeffrey Allen, who was born July 1970 in Huntington Beach, CA. Rick then departed from the Marine Corps and continued to live in Los Angeles and Orange Counties in California. He then expanded his family further and had a daughter Kimberly Ann, who was born June 1973 in Long Beach, CA. The family eventually settled in Garden Grove, CA and lived there for many years where Rick worked in logistics as a Dock Forman.

His marriage lasted 21 years and Rick stayed in California for another year or two and then decided to return home to Evansville, Indiana. Once he returned to Evansville, he became an active member of the VFW and reconnected with his best friend Kermit Neighbors. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends, fishing and most of all playing his guitar and singing. He was eventually retired by the VA and met his future wife, Yvonna Rankins. Rick was kind with a huge heart and was always there to help wherever he could. Rick and Yvonna were married on August 25th, 2006. Rick and Yvonna were inseparable in every way. Yvonna’s life was unfortunately cut short on June 3rd, 2007.

Rick continued to give with all he had and live his life near his best friend. Still active with the VFW and doing all the things he loved until life forced to slow him down. He was always quick to say I am doing ok and making little of what he was going through. Even till the end he was laughing, all smiles and cracking jokes. He was loved by many and will always live long in our hearts.

‍Rick is survived by his brothers Don and Danny and sisters Charolette, Gail and Connie. He is also survived by his ex-wife Judy and two kids Jeff and Kim.

‍Risk is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Mary Smithhart and his brother Paul. In addition, his wife Yvonna to where he will be laid next to.

‍Rick will be cremated and laid in his final resting place in Evansville Indiana on Saturday April 5th at 10:00am at Oak Hill Cemetery and following Celebration of Life at VFW 1114. The services are open to all.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Rick and the Smithhart Family!

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.