Frederick W. “Fred” Smith, 91, passes away Friday afternoon, July 24, 2026, at his home in rural Van Wert.

He was born on July 2, 1935, in West Unity, Ohio the son of the late Dale Millard and Rachel Hope (Beek) Smith. On June 12, 1954, in Fort Jennings, Ohio he married the former Clarabelle May (Furrell) Smith and she survives of Van Wert.

Family members include his four children, Valeria A. (Doug) Martin of Arizona, Stewart L. Smith of Van Wert, Laura Jean (Steve) Ehlers of Hayward, Wisconsin, and Julie Lynette (Curtis) Overholt of Van Wert; nine grandchildren, Ashley Conforti, Justin Smith, Sarah Lopshire, Rachel McGowan, Jennifer (Chris) Bolenbaugh, Victoria Klausing, Tyler (Kristin) Overholt, Joshua (Melissa) Overholt, Christian Martin, Celeste Martin; seven great grandchildren, Taevin Darnell, Ivy Lynn Harris, Ella Harris, Connor Conforti, Everly Conforti, Oliver Bolenbaugh and Axton C. Bolenbaugh; nephews, Bruce (Donna) Smith of Idaho, Jeff Grandstaff of Van Wert and Frank (Brenda) Smith, Jr., of Van Wert; and nieces, Pam Chance of Cape Cora, Florida, Peggy Chance of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Arnell Adam of Convoy.

Fred was a 1953 graduate of Van Wert High School and worked at Sinter Metals in Van Wert. He was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church and enjoyed woodworking. Fred was very proud that he remodel and build seven homes for his family over the years.

Besides his parents, Fred was preceded in death by grandson, Noel William Marin; four brothers, Franklin D. Smith, Eugene M. Smith, Lyle M. Smith and Dale L. Smith and two sisters, Ima Rebecca Ann Putman and Iris H. Smith.

Funeral services for Fred will be at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert on Wednesday August 5, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. There will be visitation for family and friends on Wednesday from Noon to 3:00 p.m. Interment will take place I. O. O. F. Cemetery of Convoy, Ohio.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com, Tribute Wall.