Richard was born in Seneca County, October 26, 1920 to the late Albert John and Martha (Welly) Smith. He married Ruth L. Theis on September 5, 1945 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, New Riegel and she survives.
Other survivors include, three sons, Dennis A. (Janice) Smith of New Riegel, Steven G. Smith of Tiffin, James P. (Elaine) Smith of New Riegel; three daughters, Linda R. (LeVerne) Burns, Annette H. (Tom) Brill, and Laura A. (John) Richey, all of Tiffin; nine grandchildren, Michelle Jaynes, Brent Smith, Bradley Burns, Brian Burns, Matt Brill, Alicia Warnecke, Jeffrey Smith, Nathan Richey, and Brianna Richey; ten great-grandchildren; and a sister Catherine Schalk of New Riegel.
He was preceded in death by five brothers, Alfred, Maurice, Kenneth, Carl and Myron Smith, and a half-sister, Alice Seitz.
Richard served in the United States Army during World War II in the Military Police, stationed in North Africa, Italy, France, Sicily and Austria. He was a lifetime farmer, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the New Riegel Moose, the American Legion and the Seneca County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed hauling straw to the Amish Country. Richard and Ruth also enjoyed casino trips together.
Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 South Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio, 44883, 419-447-3113. A wake service will be held at 1:45 pm, at the funeral home.
Prayers will be said at 10:00 am, Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the funeral home followed by a 10:30 am funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. The rosary will be said 20 minutes prior to the Mass at the Church. Burial will be immediately following in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with the New Riegel American Legion performing military rites at the gravesite.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Volunteers of America Autumnwood Care Center or to a charity of the donor’s choice.