John Smith

1938 - 2022

John W. Smith, 83, of Sebring passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at Aultman Hospital. John was born on October 4, 1938 in Sebring, Ohio to the late Fred and Elphia (Partlow) Smith. John was a Sebring McKinley High School Graduate of the class of 1957, for which he served as class president. He was a member of the high school football team, basketball team, and played the cymbals in the marching band. John was also an active member of the Sebring United Methodist Church. John retired from the Salem Label Company after many years of service in the late 1990s at the age of 58.
John loved his community and served the Village of Sebring as a councilman for nineteen years and as mayor for eight years from 2004-2012. He coached, served as umpire chief, and was the president of the Sebring-West Branch Hot Stove league for 30 years. He was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sebring-West Branch Hot Stove Baseball League for many years of dedication and service to the children of the Sebring-West Branch area. He was also inducted into the Sebring Parks and Recreation Honor Roll in 1994 for outstanding service.
In the Fall he could be found attending Mount Union football games. He was a dedicated Raiders fan, holding a season pass for 30 years. John faithfully devoted his time to attending various sporting events and activities in support of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Diane (Demark) Smith; children Brian (Barbara) Smith of Beloit, Kevin (Cindy) Smith of New Philadelphia, Karen Smith of Palm Harbor Florida, and Steven (Robi) Smith of Sebring. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Nathan, Steven, Jeremy, Jenna, Drew, Jessica, Markie, Mike, Katie, Brandt, Stevi Rae and Sydney, and nineteen great grandchildren whom he loved and adored.
Besides his parents, John was proceeded in death by nine siblings.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family requests memorial contributions be made in John's name to the Sebring Booster Club, 225 E. Indiana Ave. Sebring, Ohio 44672 or Sebring United Methodist Church, 126 W. Indiana Ave. Sebring, Ohio 44672. You may sign the guest register and view the obituary online at www.grfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home, Sebring, 330-938-2526.
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