John W. Smith, Sr., 94, of Marion, passed away at 2:17 am on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Aperion Care in Marion with his loving daughter and son-in-law at his side. He was born in Marion on April 26, 1928, to Ralph and Mary (Wilson) Smith. He married Helen K. Bishop, and she preceded him in death in 1993.
John graduated from Marion High School and barber college in Indianapolis. He served in the United States Army from 1950 – 1952. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged.
Following his military service, John worked as a supervisor for over 30 years at RCA until his retirement.
Survivors include his son, DeLon A. Smith of Austin, TX; daughter, DeLisa (Lynnwood Jackson) Smith-Speikes of Marion; granddaughters, Katina “Nicii” Speikes of Marion and Katie D. (Robert) Morgan of Marion; grandsons, Dustin Michael Moore of FL, Harley R. (Shae) Smith of Marion, and Pierce A. Smith of Austin, TX; three great-grandchildren; sister, Theda B. Goens of Muncie; brother-in-law, Ovid Casey of CA; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Chico.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph E. Smith; mother, Mary E. Smith; wife, Helen K. Smith; son, John W. Smith, II; granddaughter, Sara Heath-Barnett; six siblings; brother-in-law, Oatess (Barbara) Archey; and his dog, Johnson.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
A graveside service to celebrate John’s life will take place at 2:15 pm at Grant Memorial Park, 1606 W. 26th St. in Marion, IN. Rev. Larry Batchelor will officiate. Burial will follow at Grant Memorial Park.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com. To send flowers to the family of John, please visit our floral store.