Edward Smith Sr

Edward Smith, Sr, 87 passed away on February 24, 2024.  He was born on March 3, 1936, to Walter & Eva (Bird) Smith Toledo, Ohio.  He leaves to cherish his memory wife Mary (Filipek) Smith, sons Ed (Beth) Smith and Tim Smith, stepdaughters Jessica (Raymond) Uzoigwe and Bethany Filipek, stepson Edwin (Liz) Jimenez, grandchildren Abbey Smith, Jake Smith and Cheyene (Andrew) Luch, step grandchildren Ethan & Haddie Jimenez and great granddaughter Rowan Luch. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Lynn, Eve, Tootsie, Helen, Dort, Dud, Bess, Virginia, Dill, Eleanor, Hade, Marge, Bob, Dick, George, Duck and Frank as well as his first wife, Susie (Koeniger).

He attended Scott High School.  In his younger years he worked at a full-service gas station, Ken’s Pure Oil.

Ed joined the Army in 1959. He served his country for 2 years and was stationed in Germany.

Prior to going into the Army Ed was a painter’s apprentice.  Upon his return from the Army, he started painting again. He worked 60 plus years for Bill and Jim Bucher where he joined the Painters Local 7 Union.  Ed also worked for Charlie Kasten, Jim Sulier, Jess Bogel, Bob Gilley and Nick Beresky. That is where he met and became best friends with Greg Wagner.

Ed was a big fan of Ford vehicles. He enjoyed watching racing of all kinds.  He attended many NASCAR races at MIS and sprints at the local dirt tracks across Ohio. He began collecting Matchbox cars but ended up with many kinds of toy cars and trucks over the years.

In 1978 he purchased land and started construction on his family’s personal paradise in Swanton.  He hired many of his friends in the trades along with the assistance of his family’s time and talents helped to see the dream come to life.  He completed all the finish work in the new house and built a hutch for the living room.  Many people were able to enjoy the fruits of his labor over the years.  He loved his family and enjoyed hosting reunions at his house.   He was very generous and young at heart.  He loved being thought of as a big kid.   

He enjoyed camping, biking, day tripping, and hiking. He completed many of the winter hikes offered at Hocking Hills. His brother Frank was his best friend. Their families spent many times over the years searching out new restaurants near and far.  He was a very lucky man and often won on scratch off tickets. He loved to eat out and really enjoyed a good half & half margarita.

He attended the family breakfast club most Saturdays and had a very special relationship with many of his nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

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