Alvin Lewis Smith

Alvin Lewis Smith passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Mansfield surrounded by his family at the age of 76.
He was born on November 27, 1947, (Thanksgiving Day) in Ashland, Ohio to Raymond A. and Mary Rose Smith. He is the oldest of 5 children and was raised in Perrysville, Ohio. As a youth, he was very involved in Cub and Boy Scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in 1963. In 1965, he graduated from Loudonville-Perrysville High School and spent the next year at OSU, Columbus before joining the Naval Reserve and continuing summer work with full-time permanent employment with Mansfield Sanitary, Inc. in Perrysville.
While on active duty in June 1968, he came home to marry his bride, Linda K. Freese. She returned with him to Scotland for a 13-month honeymoon while he was assigned to the U.S.S. Simon Lake (AS-33). After 39 years with Mansfield Sanitary, Inc. Alvin retired, while also retiring from the U.S. Naval Reserve as an E-7 after 24 years of service. Alvin was a very active Mason and was raised a Master Mason in Hanover Lodge #115 in May of 1987. He served as Master in 1993 and was President of the 20th Masonic District in 1997. He served as High Priest in King Cyrus #207, Royal Arch Masons in 1994, illustrious Master in Ashland Council #128, Royal and Select Masons in 1999, and Commander in Wooster Commandery #48, Lights Templar in 2009. Alvin was a 24-year member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus, and a Junior Officer in Crawford Council #82, Knight Masons of Ireland. In 2009, he served as Worthy Patron of Ruth Chapter #17, Order of the Eastern Star, alongside his wife who was Worthy Matron that year. Al and Linda were members White Shrine of Jerusalem in Mansfield and in 2010, Alvin was Knighted a Knight of the York Cross of Honour in Ohio Priory #18. Also in 2010, he became a plural member of Bellville Lodge #376 and was serving as LEO in both lodges.
Alvin was also very active within his community. He was Webelos leader and Scoutmaster of Troop # 551 from 1983 to 1992. Alvin was also a volunteer firefighter, EMT, fire investigator, and fire safety inspector for 30 years with the Perrysville Fire Department. Alvin was a long-time member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Perrysville, where he was past President of the church council. Alvin was also the past president of the Board of Public Affairs for the Village of Perrysville and a board member of the Ashland County Council of Aging.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Linda Smith of Perrysville; his children Kevin (Christina) Smith of Virginia, Stewart (Jennifer) Smith of North Carolina, and Abigail (Josh) Helmuth of Marysville; his grandchildren Joshua, Benjamin, Brandon, and Leah Smith, and Harmonie and Eli Helmuth; and his sisters Sharon (Hillard) Clark, Sona (Paul) Hodge, Tricia (Stephen) Calver, and Melissa Young.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents Raymond A. and Mary Rose Smith.
Alvin's family will receive friends on Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 2-4 and 5-7 p.m. in the Snyder Funeral Home-Lindsey Chapel, 123 N Market Street, Loudonville. At 7 p.m. Commandery, Masonic and Eastern Star services will begin. On Friday, March 8, 2024, a funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. in St. John's Lutheran Church, 111 E. 2nd Street, Perrysville, Ohio. Pastor Dieter Schade and Richard Beal will officiate. Following the service, burial will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion and VFW. We welcome family & friends to a luncheon at the American Legion, 131 S Water Street, Loudonville, Ohio and a sharing time to celebrate the memories of our loving Alvin.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Ohio Health Hospice in Mansfield and Ashland County Cancer Association.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Alvin's family and encourages you to share a memory or condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com