RONALD EUGENE SMITH

Ronald E. Smith, age 67, and Nancy Lou Smith, age 69, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident at Leesburg and O'Day Roads, Allen County, IN on Tuesday afternoon, November 4, 2008. Born on October 20, 1941 in Columbia City, IN Mr. Smith was the son of Harry N. and Jean E. (Leaman) Smith. He graduated with the Class of 1959 from Columbia City High School where he was an avid athlete involved in many sports which continued into adulthood. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army,101st Airborne as a paratrooper.Mrs. Smith was born on June 6, 1939 in Whitley County, IN the daughter of Willis A. and Helen M. (Ruby) Walker. She attended Columbia City High School. On October 25, 1964 the couple was married in Columbia City at Grace Lutheran Church. Columbia City was always their residence until a fire destroyed their home in 1984 when they moved to their present home in Allen County.Mr. Smith retired from Dana Corporation with over 38 years of service. An avid golfer, he was a member of American Legion Post #499, Fort Wayne, and he was a former member of Grace Lutheran Church.A housewife and mother, Mrs. Smith was a former employee of Weatherhead, Columbia City and a former member of Community Bible Church.The couple is survived by their children, Regina Eryn (Michael) Braun and Ralph Edward Lehman, Jr. both of Fort Wayne, Russel Alton (Linda) Lehman of Columbia City, Ronica Elyn (Jack) Gideon of Grabill and Ryan Eugene (Jennifer) Smith of Fort Wayne; 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. A son, Randall Earnest Lehman preceded them in death.Also surviving Mr. Smith are his mother, Jean E. Smith and sister, Janis Kelly both of Columbia City; and 2 nephews. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his father, Harry Smith.Mrs. Smith is also survived by sisters, Jane A. Thomas of Battle Creek, MI, Nila J. Goodwin of North Fort Myers, FL, and Ruby M. Perez of Columbia City and a brother, Ernest A. (Delores) Walker of Columbia City; 11 nieces and nephews. Her parents, Willis and Helen Walker, preceded her in death.Joint visitation for Mr. & Mrs. Smith is Monday, November 10, 2008 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Joint funeral services are Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with retired Pastor Curtiss Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City, IN with graveside military honors by American Legion Post #499. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Smith to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the guest register book, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com