Joseph E. Smith

Joseph E. Smith, age 87, of Louisville, Kentucky, returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, May 8, 2026. Mr. Smith was born in Louisville on November 18, 1938, to the late Joseph Richard Smith and Mildred Elizabeth French Shackelford. He was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church, served in the United States Army Reserves, and retired from the United States Postal Service.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who made life fun for everyone around him. He gave his children a childhood full of love, laughter, and happy memories. Around the neighborhood, he was known as the dad who was always outside playing ball, joking around, and making kids feel welcome. He never lost his playful spirit and truly enjoyed being a kid again alongside his children. More than anything, he created a family that was loving, close, and deeply connected.

In addition to his parents, his siblings, Edward Daniel Trent and Lisa Ann Shackelford preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 64 years, Sue Jansen Smith; children, Michael Joseph Smith (Maurie), Sherri Ellen Bertrand (Ralph) and Cathy Sue Saultzman (Jeff); grandchildren, Natalie Anselmo (Jeff), Abbey Porter (Ben), Meghan Smith (David), Brent Bertrand, Emily Kiefer (Joe), Rachael Roberts (Devyn) and Jenna Saultzman (Brenden); 13 great-grandchildren and a host of other dear family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, May 18, 2026 at St. Rita Catholic Church (8709 Preston Hwy., Louisville) with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home (Preston Hwy. at Brooks Rd.) and on Monday from 9:00 am until the time of procession to St Rita.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Dreams with Wings (dreamwithwings.org) Joe’s grandson, Brent, attends this organization daily and it has meant a great deal to the entire Smith family.