WAYNE ELVIN "SMITTY" SMITHSON, 94, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Monday, Sept. 22, 2014. Born Aug. 2, 1920, in Ridge ville, Ind., he was a son of the late George and Freada (Heston) Smithson. After graduating, Wayne served in the U.S. Army for three years as a Light Mortar Crewman during World War II and received two Purple Heart Medals. After his service, he worked as a Tool and Dye Operator at Dana Corporation for 34 years, retiring in 1980. Wayne was a member of the American Legion, Scottish Rite and Mizpah Shrine. He is survived by two grandchildren, Angela (Dave) Nuckols Main of Fort Wayne and Chad Wiebke of Sarasota, Fla.; seven great-grandchildren; and his nephew, Franchon (Gloria) Smithson of Westport, Conn. He was also preceded in passing by his wife, Helen Louise (Rust) Smithson; and stepdaughter, Sharon Hurd. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at the funeral home. Burial in Reitenour Cemetery, Ridgeville, Ind. Memorial donations may be given to the
American Heart Association, 208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604-1242 or donor's choice. For online condolences, please visit www.hockemeyermillerfh.com
