ALBERT L. SMITH

Albert L. Smith, age 86, passed away at 4:35 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at Renaissance Village, Fort Wayne, IN. Born on March 6, 1922 in Huntington, IN he was the son of Nathan E. and Neta (Stephans) Smith.Raised in Huntington County, IN he graduated with the Class of 1941 from Huntington High School. From 1942 to 1945, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy on board the USS Santa Fe receiving 2 stars for Philippine Liberations, a star for the Victory Medal and 14 stars for Asiatic Pacific and the Good Conduct Medal. On December 20, 1945, he and Lois E. Walker were united in marriage by Reverend Graham Kleespie at Grace Lutheran Church in Columbia City. A Columbia City resident since 1949, he and his wife moved to Renaissance Village, Fort Wayne, four years ago. For 35 years, he was owner of Smith's Plumbing and Heating in Columbia City, retiring in 1995. He was an avid antique collector and he enjoyed woodworking. He attended First Church of God and he was a member of the American Legion Post #98 both of Columbia City.Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lois E. Smith of Fort Wayne; sons, Donald (Suzie) Smith of Columbia City and Thomas A. Smith of South Whitley; sister, Eileen (Homer) Loney of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Jason (Kristi) Smith, Angela, Michelle and Matthew Smith, Amy (Trini) Broadnex; great-grandchildren, Bonnie Smith, Tony, Kendra and Ethan DeWitt, and Ivan Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Richard G. "Dick" Smith in 1998, brothers, Francis and Claude Smith, sister, Crystal Burnsworth. Visitation is Monday, October 20, 2008 from 4 to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Eddie P. Beagles, Certified Funeral Celebrant, officiating. Burial will follow at Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City with Columbia City American Legion Post#98 presenting graveside military rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, Whitley County Relay for Life or Boys Town. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or to sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com