John E. Smith

John E. Smith, age 81 of Hamilton passed away at Hospice of Hamilton on Monday, June 13, 2011 at 11:40 AM. He was born at home on the family farm in Bloomfield Township, Logan County, Ohio on September 16, 1929 the son of Herman and Ruth (McCoy) Smith. John was a 1947 graduate of Washington Local High School and entered Ohio State University that fall. With fond memories of growing up on the farm, it was only fitting that he pursue a degree in agriculture. John graduated in 1951 with a degree in Animal Science, having worked his way through college by working on the beef barn. As a student, he was an outstanding member of the Livestock Judging Team. He placed second judging cattle, competing against many other universities at the International Livestock Show in Chicago and was high individual judging sheep at the Eastern National Show in Timonium, Maryland. Following graduation, John worked for purebred Angus farms in Pennsylvania, New York, and Mississippi, fitting and showing Angus cattle at national expositions and state fairs throughout the country. He served in the U.S. Army in the 1st Infantry Division from 1953 to 1955. In 1967, John began working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, from which he retired. He was County Executive Director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Office, serving Butler and Hamilton counties. John enjoyed antiques and digging for old bottles. He refinished many of the pieces of furniture in his home. John was a member of the Butler County Antique Machinery Club. This afforded him the opportunity to display his collection of old horse harnesses and his John Deere toy collection, as well as his corn shellers and grinders. He especially enjoyed giving children the opportunity to grind and shell their own corn. Because John believed in the practice of conservation, he was also a member of the Izaak Walton Club, and enjoyed the monthly meetings. Summer fishing trips to Minnesota were highlights of his life, and many days were spent planning and packing. He often canoed into the boundary waters for several days to fish. John always said there was nothing better than a shore lunch of fresh fish. His fishing trips into the mountains of Colorado by horseback with his son and brothers-in-law were cherished memories as well. John was a member of the Macedonia Christian Church, where he served as a deacon. In September, 1962 he married Carol Ann King. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Smith of Hamilton; two sons, John (Connie) Smith of Okeana and Dave (Susan) Smith of Trenton; and four grandchildren, Brady, Aaron, and Tanner, who called him Grandpa, and Sydney, to whom he was known as Poppa; three brothers, Nevin (Peggy) Smith of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Joe (Naomi) Smith of Lexington, Virginia, and Bob (Ann) Smith of Quincy, Ohio; and two sisters, Barbara (Gary) Kinninger of Sydney, Ohio and Sarah (Bob) Miller of Lakeview, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Franklin Smith and an infant.

Funeral service will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Jerry Jensen of Macedonia Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery in Shandon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.