Thomas Edwin Smith

Tom was born on November 17, 1932 to Gwendolyn (Rebholz) and Harold Smith in Wabash, Indiana. Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Smith.

Tom graduated from Converse High School in 1950. He joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany from 1953 to 1955. Upon returning from the army, Tom married his life-long friend and high school sweetheart, Betty Lou Lenon, on June 2, 1956. The two settled in Converse, Indiana, where Tom began farming and raised their three children on the family farm. Tom and Betty called Converse home for 80 plus years. In retirement, Tom and Betty split their time between Converse and Florida for 17 years, before moving full-time to Madeira Beach, Florida eight years ago.

Tom was a member of the Converse United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee. Tom served on the board of the Grant County Soil and Water Conservation Agency, was a member of the Converse Lions Club, and also served as a Boy Scout Leader.

Tom had a passion for his family and his career as a farmer. He was an avid boater and fisherman. Tom loved his time with family and friends on the Barbee Chain of Lakes in Northern Indiana, Klotz Lake in Canada, and Offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Tom was known to always catch the first fish of the day and usually the largest one as well!

Tom enjoyed all sports but was especially interested in college and pro basketball, NFL football, and the Tampa Bay Rays. He and Betty enjoyed walking along the Florida beaches and spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tom also had two other important hobbies - gardening and raising ponies for his grandchildren to enjoy.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Betty; three children: Gregory (Amy) Smith of Treasure Island, Florida, Marcia Kay (Jack) Colson of Fishers, Indiana, and Ronald (Lisa) Smith of Sharps Chapel, Tennessee; five grandchildren: Abigail (Itamar) Colson, Seth (Emily) Colson, Emily (Jose) Martinez, Layne Smith, and Nathan (Lauren) Jones; and five great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Cecelia, and Thomas Colson, Aviv Megiddo Colson, and Harrison Jones.

Tom will be deeply missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly. A private service for immediate family will be held in Florida. A burial service will occur later in Converse, Indiana where Tom will be laid to rest alongside other family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the:Converse Historical Society PO Box 291 Converse, Indiana 46919