Richard Edwin Smith's Obituary
Richard Edwin Smith, 93, of Fort Wayne, was eleven days away from celebrating his 94th birthday, but although we won't be able to celebrate that milestone with him, he lived a life full of duty, responsibility, humor, and love. As a Marine, he survived the front lines of the Korean War, including the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. When he returned from the war, he worked at International Harvester and married the love of his life, his Jannie. They celebrated that love for 65 years until her passing in 2018. He enjoyed playing golf, water skiing, and introducing his daughters to his love of auto racing, namely the Indy 500. He claimed to dislike all the family cats but brought home a stray kitten from the golf course and named him Marty, saving the kitten and thereafter becoming his favorite human. He supported his daughter Elizabeth's obsession with horses, driving her to riding lessons and standing in the cold although his feet had been permanently frosted by the biting conditions in Korea. He cared for his daughter Natalie throughout her chronic illness and then his wife as well, until her death. He will be remembered as a kind and sympathetic man, generous and good-humored, well-loved by his family and friends.
He is survived by his daughters, Natalie Smith and Elizabeth (Mark) Smith-Meyer; grandchildren, Alexandra (Mark) Balle and Ian Meyer; great grandson, Nicholas Balle; and companion, Maxine Snyder. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; brother, Thomas Smith; and parents, Paul and Anna Smith.
Funeral service is 11 am Friday, February 14, 2025, at Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven, with visitation one hour prior. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Preferred memorials are to The Shepherd House or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, New Haven. For online condolences please visit www.harperfuneralhome.com
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