Just read about the passing of Howard Smith...Lt. Smith was the first Lieutenant I served under when I went to Ft.Wayne Post 22 in 1978.  He always treated me with respect, and I pray I returned the same.  He would always inspect my mustache to make sure it was within department regulations.  Kept me on my toes....Patty please accept my sympathy and I pray for your peace of mind during this time..... Respectfully Jeff Simmons Retired..


I just found out that Howard died.  I was so sorry to hear about him.  I met him at Burger King when me and my husband Vic Smith hung out  a lot..  Howard and Bill Shaneyfelt did also. They were the best of friends.  Howard , Bill and vic grew up together as kids.  Condolences to his daughter and all his family and friends.  He will be missed.  

   Betty Smith

Howard was a interesting person. We knew him mostly by Carmen working with him at the court house. He told many stories and enjoyed being around people. RIP Howard.

I worked with Lieutenant Smith in the Area II office within Fort Wayne Post as the Area Secretary.  He was the Special Enforcement Coordinator for Area II.  Howard had a special way to make you laugh.  He was still writing speeding tickets when I left in 1984.  I was usually the first one in the office, but I remember one morning when Howard was ahead of me on US 24.  I came upon a very long line of traffic following him because he would not allow anyone to go over the 55mph speed limit.  I chuckled that morning and again as I write this.  My sympathy to you, Patti, and I have enjoyed reconnecting with you.  God bless you!

Linda Knepper Pankop

Howard was always cheerful and upbeat. He always asked how I was doing...a very kind soul indeed. I will miss you.

Patti,
I sure enjoyed visiting and talking to your dad these past few months. He would call me if KY. was playing basketball just to ask me if I was watching. I think he turned into a UK fan. He was one of my favorites. Sorry I missed his service I was not aware of it.
Patti,
I also enjoyed seeing your dad. Sending raspberry filled Archway cookies. Sorry for your loss. 
Hope

It saddens me deeply to hear Howard has passed. I knew him from my time working at Burger King in Huntington for almost three years. He was such a nice man, he would come in, get a sandwich, and visit with employees, customers, or anyone really. It didn't matter how my night was going it was always pleasure  to see Howard. He is still my favorite customer from my time there even four years later.

My thoughts are with his family. You will be missed Howard. 

I'll end this with a famous Howard line "I'm the nicest person you'll meet today, I just have one problem........ I lie". The important part that he never mentioned is he never lied to me.

 Patti
Lieutenant Smith was a Sergeant when I came to Ft. Wayne Post 22.  I served under Howard when he was 1's Sgt and then as a Lieutenant, Commander of District 22.  It was an honor to serve with him.  As many have said he was a straight shooter you always knew where you stood with Howard Smith. We will miss his creme puffs that he always brought to our carry in dinners.  One thing Howard did not like was sticky notes, he always said of you want to leave me a note do it on a full sheet of paper.  One of his favorite sayings was Ralph you’ve never had it so good. The Lord be with you Patti and family as Howard takes his place in the Great District in the sky. Ralph Selking,   ISP retired Sgt.

"Smitty" and my father were life-long friends from their youth days in Huntington.  My favorite Smitty story involves my mother.  She  was always very conscious about our family's reputation,   wanting the community to think well of us.  I'm sure Smitty knew this.   One day when we were loaded in the family station wagon,  Smitty pulled Dad over,  flashing lights and all.   When Smitty got out of his marked state police car,  he left the lights flashing.   Of course,  Dad did not commit any traffic offense.  Smitty just wanted to chat with Dad and teasing Mom was a bonus.   Mom said to Smitty, "Go back & turn the lights off!"  Eventually Smitty said, " Eleanor, what's the problem?"  Mom answered ,  "Someone we know will see us!"  Smitty soon  relented &  the lights were turned off.

We  express our deepest sympathies to Patti and all Howard's family and friends.
Bill and Linda Shaneyfelt



Patti, Your Dad was my first post commander when I came on ISP in 1984 and from the first time I met him, he was honest, fair and a straight forward leader.  Howard was a man of his word and he took me under his wing.  I can remember when he let me take his car to go out and get some lunch when we had to sleep at the post.  Your mom was always cheerful and supportive of him, they made a great couple and example to me.  My father in-law, Herman Armstrong was a reserve deputy sheriff and spoke so highly of your dad and really enjoyed talking to him. Lieutenant Smith was a very special influence in my life and I will always remember his bright smile and friendship and creme puffs.

Patti, 
I will always cherish my chats with your dad in the law library.  He would give me great travel pointers and always had a quick wit.  He certainly was a gem and blessed to have known him and your mom.
Gwen Ruppert

“Smitty” was a life-long friend and high school buddy of my deceased dad, Bill.  
After retirement they spent many hours solving the world’s problems while sipping coffee at the local Burger King.  Dad was fortunate to have his companionship, especially in light of the fact that they were both long-time widowers.  RIP Howard.
Neil and Penny Shaneyfelt
Knightstown, IN


Howard was a very nice man and I worked at the Auditors office when he worked at the Courthouse. He will be missed but now he can be with Geri. 

Prayers for his family and friends.  Howard always had away to entertain with his jokes. 

I remember Howard from the courthouse. He never knew a stranger and he made the best cream puffs. He will be greatly missed.


I had the privilege of helping Howard with his banking needs for many years.  I will miss his bad jokes as I have missed his cream puffs since he's been unable to make them. Prayers for peace for the family!

Howard was quite ornery around the courthouse and was missed when he left.  And sure he will be greatly missed by all family and friends.

I've loved Smitty from our first flirty encounter in my front yard on Ruth St. where he visited with sister Lavie.  It continued through the years sparring back and forth when he'd visit CVS where I worked in the Pharmacy to the most recent at his good friend Charlie's birthday party where I attended with future family.  An awesome man, always cheerful and always armed with a joke, I will remember him fondly. Rest in peace and be embraced in the arms of God.

I was the ( much younger) district commander at Pendleton when Howard was district commander at Ft. Wayne. We shared many stories, ideas, and arguments at the time, remaining friends throughout.  He was a good man and a good asset to the ISP that all can be proud of. RIP brother.

I remember so much about Howard! I got to spend time at the Smith home with Patti and her parents. I got to experience those cream puffs on more than one occasion, he was the master! I went with them to Grissom Air Force base you see the “Thunderbirds” it was awesome! My most favorite memory was that he always called me the “bubblegum” kid! Howard was special and I am sure you will miss him a lot, Patti! Our prayers are with you

Always appreciated Howard, he was a man that his walk and talk were the same.  He left a lasting impression on this young Trooper from the day that I met him at the Fort Wayne ISP Post.   Praying that the peace and comfort of Christ be felt by the family. 

Prayers to you and your family for comfort and peace. Your dad was always so friendly and always had stories to tell!  He had a good sense of humor.   Hold on to your great memories of all the trips that you took together.  It is evident the close relationship that you have.   Hugs. 

        I was assigned to the Fort Wayne Post upon graduating the State Police Academy in"79".  One of the people I met was H. Smith, who happened to be the "Special Projects Coordinator" for Area  II.   I soon found out afterwards like many, Howard was BIG on P.M.I. and Apples and Oranges speeches.  Whenever I had to signal5-I would usually run into Howard in the squad room, weighing himself.  After the usual stuff about activity and TDR's we would talk about family.
        You could usually count on Geri and Patti coming up in conversation but; always, where they were going to or where they had been CAMPING!! He truly loved it.  Rest now Lieutenant your tour is complete. By the way.....P.M.I.    -Positive Mental Attitude!!! 

I remember Howard from when I was a dispatcher at the post in Times Corners. He always took time to speak and usually ended with “You never had it so good”. 
That was a lot for an 18 year old 120 miles away from home to take in, but he and many others at Ft Wayne certainly have me a good footing to start my career. May he Rest In Peace. 

I met Lt Howard Smith when Iwas assigned time the Fort Wayne Post in 1979.  I could not have ask for a better commander to start my career with the ISP.  He was always consistent no matter if the was a problem or if a kudo was due.  I could always could depend on his sound judgement.  It truly was an honor to have worked for him.  He will be greatly missed.  RIP LT.Smith.  

Thankful for his life and his career of service.  Our deepest sympathies to you, Patti. We’re sending hugs and prayers.  
Love, 
Ronda & Brian 

As life has gotten a lot slower being retired and with Uncle Howard being in declining health, we have had more time to see each other, talk on the phone (alot!) and just be uncle and niece.   He always asked about my family, called me  on my trips to Minnesota to make sure I was traveling safe, told me not to spoil "the grandkids",  and much more.  I have lots of wonderful memories of visits with him and Aunt Geri.  He has missed her so much and I am so glad he is with her now.   He is at  peace and we are all happy for that even though we will miss this special and unique man. 
Susie

We loved his 2-3 phone calls a day asking how the misplaced Hoosiers were doing and if Phil won at poker, if the answer was yes, it was good for you and if the answer was no, not this week, his answer was , well, study harder !
He always ask if we were taking any trips to the mtns.  soon, always tell us about the weather in Hgtn. and ask how was the weather was in AZ.  We will miss him and talking with him.
We still miss his wonderful homemade cream puffs he always made at Christmas... Delicious !!

OBITUARY

Howard L. Smith

November 29, 1929 – March 18, 2020

Myers Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services