Richard K. Smith

1918 - 2014

Smith Richard K. Smith, age 95, of Columbus, passed away on January 28, 2014 at McNaughten Pointe Nursing Home. Richard was born in Creston, Iowa, April 16, 1918 and was the youngest of five children born to Albert L. and Ida M. Smith. He is preceded in death by sister Hazel, and brothers and sisters-in-law Albert, Floyd (Ethel) and Roger (Ruth) Smith, Alice Schaffner, wife Vivian, step-son Robert Fletcher (Roberta), and son Richard Smith Jr. Richard was a WWII veteran. He was a radio operator in the Army Air Corps and helped transport the troops home. Richard began his career at Krogers as a meat cutter. He later became a store manager, retiring in 1980. During his retirement years, Richard and Vivian traveled extensively, visiting family and friends. They made it together to 49 states, and Richard later traveled to Alaska. After his wife's death in 1995, he returned to Europe with his daughter-in-law, Ann and granddaughter, Julie. He also ventured to Saudi Arabia to explore the ruins and to visit Gary and Ann. Richard enjoyed music and especially country, blue grass, hymns, spirituals, and gospel music as well. He sang in the Reynoldsburg Sr. Citizen Choir and enjoyed participating in their performances. His hobby was woodworking and he put his skills to good use making furniture, and baby doll cradles for his granddaughters, and completed many woodworking projects at his church, Gender Road Christian Church. He served as an elder, and was named elder emeritus. He helped make candy at the church as well. Richard and Vivian helped a family, immigrating from China make the adjustment to life in Columbus. Richard was a caregiver to his mother, Ida, who was bedfast for nine years, as well as, a caregiver for his beloved wife, Vivian who suffered a stroke in 1995. Richard was a member of Southeast Christian Church which later became Gender Road Christian Church, East Columbus Christian Church, Jolly Timers, and a 40 year member of the Berwick Kiwanis Club. Richard is survived by son, Col. Gary (Ann) Smith (ret), FL.; daughter, Patricia Murphy, Columbus; and daughter-in-law, Patricia Smith, MI; his grandchildren, Darren (Kristen), Rebecca, Mark and Julie Smith, Katherine (Jason) Gehring, Kelly (Nicholuas) Schachtschneider, and Christopher (Shannon) Murphy; great grandchildren, Spencer and Cameron Smith, Paige and Sophie Gehring, and Owen and Carson Schachtschneider; nephews, Terry (Linda Schaffner), Doug (Lee) Smith; nieces, Leslie Schaffner, Nancy and Peggy Smith and their families. Family will receive friends Friday, February 7, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER EAST CHAPEL, 5360 E. Livingston Ave. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:30 p.m. at Gender Road Christian Church, 5336 Gender Road, Canal Winchester with Rev. John Romig and Kay McGlinchey officiating. Donations may be made to the Gender Road Christian Church. Richard's family appreciates the excellent care he received at McNaughten Pointe and the work of Gentiva Hospice. Online condolences may be made to www.schoedinger.com