Richard J. Smith

Richard J. “Dick” Smith, 82, of Van Wert, went to his heavenly home at 10:51 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2018, at his residence while surrounded by his loving family.

Dick was born March 23, 1935, in Van Wert, the son of Irene (Mundy) and Glenn Smith Sr., who both preceded him in death. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Mae and Clarence Gribler. On June 19, 1954, Dick married the love of his life, the former Karen L. Brockert, and together they had five children.

He was a computer programmer and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert.

Dick loved music and sang in the church choir up until four years ago. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, reading, and was an avid Buckeyes and Reds fan. For the past 15 years, Dick has done close to 100 pieces of scrollwork, of which three-quarters were different patterns of crosses, which he gave to others.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Karen of Van Wert; five children and his grandchildren: Vicky (Tedd) Dunno of Arizona and her daughter, Tawney Jo;  Dianne (Jeff) Unterbrink of Bourbon, Indiana, and her children, Lorna and Austin;  Mark (Sheila) Smith of Warsaw, Indiana, and his children, Jeremy, Cortney, and Lydon; Richard B. (Cathy) Smith of Monroeville, Indiana, and his children, Shubitha and Natasha; Jon Eric (Trisha) Smith of Van Wert and his children, Kolton and Keenan; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, James (Marcia) Smith of Van Wert; one sister, Barbara (Ned) Runyon of Wolcottville, Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Two brothers and four sisters also preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 6, at First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, with the Rev. Gus Cristo-Baker presiding.

Visitation will an hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.