John Charles Smith

John Charles Smith, 47, went to his heavenly home October 11, 2023. Named Giancarlo in Italy 1976, Leroy and Cathy Smith adopted John from a Catholic orphanage in 1978 while Leroy was stationed at Ghedi AFB.

In many ways, John was a simple guy; he loved pizza, “green” pop, Star Wars, Superman and Spiderman. You always knew where you stood with John. If he was mad, he let you know. If he was annoyed, you knew it. And once he decided he liked you? No turning back.

For his brother, Patrick, John was a partner-in-crime. A born flirt, John appreciated pretty ladies who flirted back. An evening with Patrick meant shenanigans like hustling pool and staying out too late. His mom, Cathy, made sure John had a happy childhood, and his grandparents, Mamie and Wayne Tennison, proudly and frequently proclaimed he was their favorite.

John was the consummate wingman for his dad, Leroy. At home or on the road, John kept his dad on a tight weekly schedule so they could make the rounds at work, dialysis, the stamp store, shopping, church, and Sunday visits filled with air hockey and pool. Dad worked hard every day to make sure John knew he was beloved and seen.

On a sunny day, John loved taking a drive with sister Rachel so they could sing Elvis songs loudly in the car. Among his absolute favorite things to do was play his sister Christine in their long-standing game of pool. After years of playing every week, he remains undefeated. And adored.

He kept those closest to him on their toes with his mischief. John might play your turn at pool if you took too long. Or ‘accidentally’ pick up your hat if he happened to like it better. He loved to sneak a snack, a green pop, and even the occasional beer. John never meant harm, never did harm and taught all who loved him to live in the moment.

After graduating from Harrah High School in 1997 John worked at Midwest-Del Group Home from 2001-2017.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Cathy Smith, brother, Patrick Wayne Tennison and both maternal and paternal grandparents. He’s survived by his father, Leroy Smith, sister, Rachel Smith of Austin, TX and sister, Christine (Goodenough) Troxel and her husband, Don Troxel of Shawnee, OK.