on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, after a short battle with illness holding his wife’s hand.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sally Smith (Murphy), his children, Matthew (Beth) Smith, and Daniel, (Sandi) Smith., grandchildren, Caleb (Mari) Smith, Mikhaela Smith, Pollyanna Smith, Xerxes Smith, Davia, Smith, Isaiah Smith, and Isaac Smith. He is also survived by his brother Derald (Kathy) Smith (Columbus, OH) and sister Linda (Frank) LoPolito (Tuscon, AZ), along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle (Sefert-Smith) O’Rouke of Cuyahoga Falls, and father, Walter W. Smith Sr. of Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Walter Smith was born April 25, 1943, in Marietta, Ohio, while his father was serving
in Germany during World War 2. His mother and father eventually went their separate ways, and he lived with his brother and mother in Ravenna, Ohio, and Cuyahoga Falls, where he graduated High School in 1961. He held various jobs and attended Kent State University before choosing to enter the Navy in 1963. His ship, the USS Ernest G. Small, was sent into Tonkin Gulf after the USS Maddox Incident. He was honorably discharged from active duty in January 1967. He met and soon married Sally on June 26, 1971, while attending computer school.
Walt and Sally belonged to Deerfield Evangelical Friends Church. They faithfully served in many roles, starting a clothing giveaway, community meal, working with the youth ministry, teaching, VBS, and various leadership roles. Dad also served as Cub Scout Master of Pack 70 in Deerfield, where many young men learned about camping, pinewood derbies, and storytelling. He served on many Friends Disaster Service projects around the country, where he learned new skills while helping others in their time of need.
His children will cherish the many weeks of long car trips to see national and state parks, monuments, oceans, and family across the country. He worked as a Computer Operator at Akron University, Timken Mercy Medical Center, and retired from Robinson Memorial Hospital in I.T. He was famous for doing things “the Walt Way,” but his persistence had an impact on many people. After retirement, he enjoyed his grandchildren, wood projects, home improvement, making maple syrup with his friend (Herb), camping with Sally, and traveling to his Naval Ship Reunions.
Walter’s best friend was Jesus, but his love for Sally was legendary. His love for his family, church, and others will be treasured by all who know him.
A short viewing will be held Saturday, January 8th, at 10:30 am with the service at
11:00 am at Deerfield Evangelical Friends Church with Pastor Jody Hill and Pastor Ryan Gilbing officiating, with a reception to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Deerfield Friends Church (deerfieldfriends.org)
using the VBS/Walter Smith Memorial Donation link.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.
(Wood-Kortright-Borkoski 330-296-6436)
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