Jerry A Smith

Jerry A. Smith, 81, passed away on December 21, 2018. He was born to Harold and Pauline (Coffman) Smith in Kempton, Indiana on June 27, 1937. After graduating from high school, Jerry worked at Chrysler and eventually transferred to General Motors, where he worked as a millwright for 30 years, retiring in 1995. On June 24, 1960, he married the love of his life of nearly 59 years, Wanda (Hodson) Smith. Jerry and Wanda enjoyed going out to eat at their favorite breakfast spots, road trips in their camper to Florida, and camping all around the Midwest with friends and family. Jerry always enjoyed spending time with his family and was an amazing husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In his spare time, he loved gardening and produced the best home grown tomatoes. Jerry was also a skilled craftsman and enjoyed spending time in his wood shop. He never met a stranger, enjoyed walks, meeting others and always waving at any friendly face that passed by.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Wanda Smith; daughter Manda (Dave) Rayle of Kokomo, IN; brother Richard Smith of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren Kayla (Chad) Holajter of Evergreen, CO, Amber (Chris) Edberg of Chicago, IL, Ashlee Smith of Fresno, CA, Christina Smith of Fresno, CA and Jennifer (Eric) Naumann of Campbell, CA; great-grandchildren Kendall, Charlotte and Cora Holajter of Evergreen, CO; great-granddaughter-to-be Amelia Edberg of Chicago, IL; and several nieces, nephews, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws and friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Smith and son Michael Smith.

Friends and family may call from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 27 at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Brandon Bentch. Jerry will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.