705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

John Wesley SmithPassing: August 28, 2014

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Sunday, August 31st @ 2:00 pm

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Saturday, August 30th @ 2:00-7:00 pm

Cemetery:

Freedom Cemetery

Sunday, August 31st

CAMPBELLSBURG — John Wesley Smith, 79, died August 28, 2014, in his home after a life well lived, despite a long fight with Parkinson’s disease.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anita Kay (Stephenson) Smith.

John was born June 1, 1935, to Everett and Cassie (Kerr) Smith, and he grew up the youngest of nine children on a 50-acre diversified farm in Bloomington. He graduated from University High School in 1953 where he participated in almost every sport available including football, basketball, track, and tennis.  He had a special love for basketball and his competitive side was evident throughout his life. He was a big proponent of hitting free-throws and had been known to offer his grandkids cash for hitting 25-50 free-throws in a row, depending on age.

John graduated from Purdue University in 1957 with a bachelor of science in animal science. He worked his way through college by serving as dishwasher and waiter at Zeta sorority. He was a lifelong, Purdue sports fan, who furiously rooted for the Boilers, often listening to games on the radio while milking his dairy cows.

During the college summer of 1955, he assisted in the Indiana State Fair Exhibit Hall which even included doing some fashion modeling. It was then that he met his future wife who had a summer job as a waitress in the dining hall at the State Fair. He completed his Army basic training before getting married to Kay on August 10, 1958 at Mt. Tabor Christian Church. At the end of the day, they loaded up everything they could get into the car and headed to Atlanta, where he completed his two years in the Army.

John built a 200-head dairy and grain farm for 47 years, enduring major fires, injury, and sickness. His toughness through all adversity has always been an inspiration. He set his hours to his night-owl preference often finishing his milking late in the night. His was a 365-day-a-year job, but he would often walk in from the barn singing a show tune, a hymn, or a favorite from the radio. Every Christmas he hung a star 65 feet up at the top of his farm’s silo to shine over those traveling down Highway 60. His regular parting words of wisdom to his family members were, “Act like you’ve got some sense.”

John was a 54-year member of Carter’s Creek Christian Church, where he served as an Elder. He had been a member of the Young Farmers, a 4-H Leader, and a Sunday School teacher.

John and Kay raised six children who gave them 19 grandchildren: Jeff (Kim) Smith of Orleans, Josh, Jessica Alyea, Jonathan; John D. (Pam) Smith of Orleans, Jacob, Olivia; Joe (Beth) Smith of Salem, Simon, Madison, Sidney, Weston; Anita (Brian) Oldham of Floyds Knobs, Kayla, Jarret, Grant; J. Chris (Kimberly) Smith of Monrovia, Zachary, Isaac, Kristal, Luke, Josh; Jeremy (Liz) Smith of  Orleans, Jaxton, Hadleigh.

He is also survived by four siblings: Ross Smith of Bloomington, Richard (Ann) Smith of Washington, James (Joanne) Smith of New Hampshire, and Joan (Don) Kennedy of Indianapolis.  He is preceded in death by his parents Everett and Cassie Smith and siblings: Mary Frances Smith, Marie Conard, Everett Smith, and Ruth Libkie.

 Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 31, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Brother Darrin Chastain officiating.  Burial will be in Freedom Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. until the service on Sunday at the funeral home.

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15 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Glenna Bashem Franchi | SanDiego, CA
    Date: September 2, 2014
    John sounds like a good person, husband, father and grandfather. To all your family: my sincere sympathy. Glenna P.S. Your parents were good teachers.
  2. Guest: Mary Terry Townsley | Eldon
    Date: September 1, 2014
    Dear Kay, What beautiful memories I have of teaching in Orleans. I had the pleasure of working with some of your children. I loved the statement attributed to your husband--"act like you've got some sense"; I did not have to be told they were Kay and John's children...your children exhibited those qualities very well. What an amazing legacy that will continue to live on.
  3. Guest: Joanne (Magner) Hudson | Columbia, MO&Salem, IN
    Date: September 1, 2014
    Kay always remembered you from high school. You were and are still a pretty lady.! Sorry I missed knowing your husband as he must have been a wonderful husband and father! So sorry to hear about his death. Of course I had your mom as a teacher.
  4. Guest: Paul & Kathy Stroud | Mitchell, IN.
    Date: August 31, 2014
    Such a loss to so many....our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families....God Bless!
  5. Guest: Paul and Pam Robbins | Pekin, IN
    Date: August 30, 2014
    I have many fond memories of John and your family. One of my favorites was coming to the farm on 4-H beef ID day. It was usually a rodeo and one time he even had me get in the loft due to unusually 'wild' steer. And of course he always apologized about the state of barn yard especially the year I went in over my boot tops! My sincere sympathy for your loss. He was a great person and I know he will be missed by many. Pam Robbins
  6. Guest: Daniel Johnson | WestBadenSprings, IN
    Date: August 30, 2014
    John was the "salt of the earth," because he enhanced and helped give meaning to all the lives that he touched. What a remarkable family he guided and shared with the community. A truly great and Godly Man who's advice "Act like you’ve got some sense" we should all follow.
  7. Guest: Marta (Tyree) Koonce | Granger, IN
    Date: August 30, 2014
    Praying God's blessings of comfort & peace on the entire Smith family. Thankful for John's fatherly love over such a wonderful family. Hugs to you all!
  8. Guest: John G. Warren | Louisville, KY
    Date: August 30, 2014
    Anita, please know the The Warren Family is Praying for you in your time of need. You're a great person, a tremendous Editor, and a benefit to all who know you. Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you.
  9. Guest: Kathy Cablish | StPetersburg, FL
    Date: August 30, 2014
    I have such fond memories of Uncle John. Always smiling and happy. Such a great inspiration to many.
  10. Guest: George Brown | WheatRidge, CO
    Date: August 30, 2014
    Dear Smith Family: Sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a part of the bedrock in the Carter's Creek community, and he will be missed. He was a good neighbor and friend. George Brown & Ginger Mitchell
  11. Guest: Sheryl Walton | Mitchell, IN
    Date: August 30, 2014
    Pam and family, So sorry about your loss. Sheryl
  12. Guest: Keith & Susan Gilmore | Orleans, IN
    Date: August 30, 2014
    To all the Smiths, You know that the Good Lord will hold you all in His loving arms as you mourn the passing of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Think of all the memories you have throughout the years and God's blessings you have received. May each of you be comforted and given strength in the coming days.
  13. Guest: Vesta Lou Hubbard | Orleans, IN
    Date: August 29, 2014
    Kay, I never met John but others have spoken so highly of him. I send my heartfelt sympathy. Vesta Lou
  14. Guest: Bill and Norma Fielding | WestLafayette, IN
    Date: August 29, 2014
    Thinking of all of you during this difficult time, lots of good memories of the all. LaRue and Shirley send their thoughts and prayers too.
  15. Guest: Jack & Sandy Knapp | Salem
    Date: August 29, 2014
    Jack and I recall going to John and Kay's for New Years and always enjoying their friendship and having homemade eggnog. It is such a blessing to know that John is now in his heavenly home free from his illness and pain. Love to all the family.