John Allen Smith

John A. Smith was born on October 8, 1948, to Alonzo Glen Smith and Vicie Slone Smith in Puritan Mines, West Virginia. John was drafted into the United States Army after graduating from Burch High School in Delbarton, West Virginia. He proudly served in the 198th Infantry Brigade in Vietnam from January 1969 to January 1971. John earned several medals for his service, including three Purple Hearts. After serving honorably, he moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Kathy Smith. Together, they raised four boys, all a year apart in age. They were married for 52 years until her passing in April 2025.

John’s family was his world. He worked tirelessly at the United States Postal Service and spent weekends working on apartments owned by his father and mother-in-law to provide the best life possible for his family. No matter how many hours he worked, he never missed one of his sons’ sporting events or school activities. John was incredibly selfless and had a giving nature. His heart was made of gold, as he would help anyone in need, whether it was a friend or someone he had just met. John never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He had a great sense of humor and was quick-witted, a trait passed on to his boys. John instilled his values of giving, loving, and forgiveness in his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His unique spirit brought happiness and joy to many.

John is preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Roxy Slone, who raised him after his mother passed away when he was only 10 years old; and his beautiful wife, Kathy Smith, whom he treasured every day. He is survived by his sons: Andy (Stacy) Smith, James (Tracy) Smith, Tim (Tricia) Smith, and Johnny (Carley) Smith. His grandchildren are Austin (Madison) Smith, Ally (Mike) Lane, Macie Smith, Hayley Smith, Mason Smith, Andrew Smith, Matthew Smith, Max Smith, Aidan Smith, and Derek (Megan) Scherbarth. His great-grandchildren include Lillie, Lilah, Amelia, Allison, Ari, AaLiyah, Charlotte, and Remington. He also leaves behind his beloved nephew, Daniel Slone; his siblings, William (Brenda) Smith, Elizabeth (Billy) Collins, and Helen (Jessie) Downey; and his special cousin, Faye (Curtis) Runyon.

Services are to be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to American Legion #239, 700 Morning Street, Worthington, OH 43085.

Dad, we love you and thank you for being such an instrumental part of our lives. There was nothing you wouldn’t do to help us or make us feel better. We are going to miss you tremendously. Nothing was better than receiving one of your famous selfie pictures or the voicemails we always looked forward to listening to. Give Mom a hug for us.

Love,

Your boys