Clyde Wesley Smith III

Clyde Wesley “Butch” Smith III, 56, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on December 18, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. Born on July 13, 1969, in Kokomo, Butch lived a life marked by dedication to family, hard work, and a deep love for sports and community. He was a member of Center Road Church of Christ.

A proud graduate of Kokomo High School’s Class of 1987, Butch went on to serve his country in the United States Navy that same year. He received an honorable discharge and carried the values of service and discipline with him throughout his life.

Butch built a diverse and accomplished career. He worked as a weekend residential advisor at Bona Vista for two years and later drove trucks for Patriot Trucking. In addition to his professional licenses, he held a CDL-A with Hazmat endorsement. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate The Alamo Steakhouse in Kokomo, where he shared his passion for food with the community. He retired after 20 years at Chrysler, where he worked as a utility in department 9110.

Family was central to Butch’s life. He is survived by his Highschool sweetheart Pamela (Keller) Smith married for 37 years; his sister Angie Lovegrove; and his three sons: Wesley (Jessyca) Smith of Kokomo, Chase (Amber) Smith of Kokomo, and Ty Smith of Kokomo along with Ty’s girlfriend Mackenzie Huntsman. He was a proud grandfather to Violet (5), Ellie (5), and Mia(2) Smith—all of Kokomo—who brought immense joy into his life. They are Papaw's Girls. Also surviving are his uncle Ralph (Pamela) Smith of Annapolis, Maryland, and thirteen nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Connie M Powers; father Clyde W. Smith Jr.; sisters Tammy Cook, Dorothy Smith, and Linda Anger; and brother in law Timothy “Pa” Lovegrove.

Butch had an enduring love for sports—especially cheering on the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University Hoosiers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Indianapolis Pacers, and Indianapolis Fever. Whether it was football or basketball—or any sport—he found joy in watching games and sharing that passion with others.

His enthusiasm extended beyond spectating; Butch coached his sons in football and baseball as well as a PAL flag football team to three consecutive championship titles. He also coached baseball at North Side and East Side ballparks in Kokomo, helping shape young athletes through mentorship and teamwork.

One of Butch’s favorite pastimes was spending time in the garage with his best friends—Wally, Floyd, and Jim(Bob)—watching TV together. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he had the chance.

Known for being generous, honest, hardworking, driven, and deeply family-oriented, Butch left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held where attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite sports team apparel in honor of Butch’s lifelong love for all things sports-related—a fitting tribute to a man who found joy in every game.

May Clyde Wesley “Butch” Smith III’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire the values he lived by: loyalty to family, pride in one’s work, love for community—and always cheering for your team.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Clyde's memory may be made to the care of the family. Out of respect for the family it is requested that all attendees be over the age of 16 years old.