Tommy L. Smith

A man's worth is not so much in the riches gained or the name they made for themselves. For Tommy "Butch" Lee Smith, the love of family and being there for the ones he loved was his greatest joy, and most grateful reward. There was nothing more that made Butch happier than being surrounded by those he loved, and knew him best. He leaves love as his greatest legacy, which cannot be bought or sold, with the warmth of cherished memories.

The end of World War II brought much prosperity for America well into the late 1940s. Moviegoers continued to enjoy flicks starring Rita Hayworth and Ingrid Bergman, and gangly crooner Frank Sinatra introduced his hit song, New York, New York. The new Buick Roadmaster was the shape of things to come for the auto industry, and the post-war baby boom was in full swing. In the community of Wolf Lake, Indiana, Thomas A. and Mildred J. (Waters) Smith were experiencing a boom of their own when on July 7, 1949 they welcomed the birth of their little boy, Tommy Lee into their hearts.

Born in what is now known as the historical site of Lucky Hospital, Tommy, or "Butch" as he was affectionately referred, enjoyed a childhood typical for the times. Having grown up on his family farm, he experienced many adventures, yet also learned the value of hard work. As a youngster he enjoyed picking on and teasing his sisters to no end, but mostly loved time with friends riding go-karts, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, motorcycles, and his horse. For a quick shortcut around Bear Lake, Butch would often jump his horse into the lake and they would swim across side by side. When his father became ill, Butch worked wherever he could to earn the extra money needed to help support his family while he and his brothers picked up the slack on the farm.

Along with his work and chores, Butch attended the area schools. A real turning point in his life took place when he was 16 years old. While out riding his horse, he saw a young woman and approached her on his horse. This young woman would come to hold his heart. Vickie Eley was staying at her family cottage on the lake, and Butch's heart was never the same. Quite intrigued with Vickie, each time she came up from Muncie to visit, he was sure to be around. Although it took three years, he eventually mustered up the courage, and asked Vickie out!

Butch graduated from Wolf Lake High School with the Class of 1967. He then went on to serve in the Army National Guard. During this time, Butch and Vickie began dating, and there was no doubt in his mind that she was the girl for him. Deeply in love, the two were happily married on November 14, 1970 at the Christian Chapel Church in Merriam. Until the mid 1970s, Butch and Vickie made their home in the Wolf Lake area before moving closer to Columbia City. By this time, they had begun a family of their own.

Butch worked hard to make a good life for his wife and their three children, Allison, Tommy E. and Jon-Erik. With a family to support, he worked for Cardinal which became LML Riviera Cruiser for the next 30 years. Butch loved making things go fast. He and his brothers were known to build up their cars in their teens, and Butch even built a go-cart that went 60 mph forward, and in reverse! One of his favorite things about working at LML Riviera Cruiser was test driving the pontoon boats he helped build. Quite often he'd take his family on "tests to see how much power they really had. Butch even designed and built their family pontoon with a 50 hp engine that they loved skiing and tubing behind. After working at LML, Butch was a shop manager at WJ Carey Construction, a truck driver and for the past seven years, he drove truck for Dexter Axle in Albion.

In his free time, Butch enjoyed hunting and fishing, and raised white tail deer on his property. Since his earliest years, he enjoyed his motorcycles. He loved riding, and it was not uncommon to see him take his bike off road. He even did hill climbs with it. Butch had many motorcycles throughout the years, but his favorite bike by far was his Triumph. In later years he rode Kawasaki's, and most recently converted his Goldwing into a trike due to his health. Motorcycle riding was clearly a family affair. They enjoyed several bike trips together, riding to Cedar Point and the Smokey Mountains. Butch's favorite trip of all was spending time at his favorite spot, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Even when Butch received his cancer diagnosis, he continued to place the needs of others before himself. His family was his priority, and he loved spending every opportunity surrounded by their love, support, and sharing good times. With their children grown with families of their own, Butch also relished the addition of grandchildren in his life. In fact, he and Vickie recently moved right next door to the home of their son, Tommy E.

Butch was foremost a very loving and devoted husband, dad and grandpa. His main love and purpose in life was his family. He leaves numerous memories to be treasured and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tommy Lee Butch Smith, 65, of Albion, Indiana, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville, exactly seven years to the day he was first diagnosed with cancer.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Vickie J. Smith; children, Allison Bennett of Garrett, Tommy E. (Paula) Smith of Albion, and Jon-Erik L. Smith of Churubusco; six grandchildren; siblings, Tim (Jackie) Smith of Columbia City, Gary (Lisa) Smith of Wawaka, Cindy (Dave) McClure of Wolf Lake, Vicki (Rick) Lawson, Becky (Carl) Wells, and Annie (Dewey) Sheets, all of Columbia City. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Susie Smith.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2015 from 2-7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with Sharon Brockhaus, Certified Funeral Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Riley Childrens Foundation.