Eugene Smith

Eugene O. Smith, age 90, entered into his eternal rest on December 17, 2017. He was born on September 26, 1927 in Wheeling, West Virginia to the late Berlin and Cecilia (Estep) Smith. Gene was a 1946 graduate of Wheeling HIgh School. He then proudly served our country during WWII and the Korean War in the United States Army. He was awarded 3 bronze star medals as a sergeant first class with the 1092 Combat Engineering Battalion out of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Gene also attended West Virginia University. He was employed by the Morton Salt Company until 1975 and then went on to work for Goodyear Aeorospace, retiring in 1991. Gene was an active member of Guardian Angels Church, serving as an eucharistic minister and altar server. He is a life time member of the Copley American Post #473, serving 3 terms as commander. He served on the veteran's honor guard for funerals. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1617, served as a board member of the Copley Outreach Program and was a member of the certified Emergency Response Team. Gene was proud to be able to go on the Honors Flight and recently received the United States House of Representatives Congressional Coin and medals earned and not received. He enjoyed carving, gardening, golf and he loved to sing. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years. Rita, who passed away August 18, 2017; sister, Wilma Vorderbrueggen; brother, Jerry Smith and son-in-law, Jim Singer; he is survived by his children, Mark (Valerie) Smith, Christine (Edward) Pfeifer, Mary (Brian) Benz and Michelle (Gary) Anderson; grandchildren, Paul Singer, Julie (Scott) Schreiner, Rachel, Catherine and Rebecca Anderson; brother, Lee Smith; sister, Kay (Art) Rosa and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Medina South for all of their loving care of both Gene and Rita. Calling hours will be 4-7pm Wednesday at the Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St. Akron, Ohio 44304. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am Thursday at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1676 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd. Copley, Ohio 44321. Interment to follow at Copley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Guardian Angels Catholic Church.