Bernard H. Smith, D.O.

Dr. Bernard Howard Smith, Bath, Ohio, left this world to join his Heavenly family on January 8, 2026. He had just celebrated his 87th birthday on January 3rd but his goal was to reach ninety.

Bernard was raised in New Paris, Ohio graduating from Jefferson High School in 1957. He was the Valedictorian of his class. Additionally, on achievement tests, he placed second in the nation in Math, and third place nationally in both Chemistry and Biology. He began his medical training at The Ohio State University, majoring in Pre-Med, and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1961.From there, he completed his Doctor of Osteopathy coursework at AT Still University in Kirksville, Missouri, Class of 1966. He moved back to Ohio to finish his Internship at Cuyahoga Falls Hospital in 1967.

Bernard married the love of his life, Janet Combs, shortly after finishing at Ohio State. Janet's family farm was just up the road from the Smith family farm. It was love at first site and they were inseparable from that point forward.

He began his general medical practice in Stow, Ohio but moved his family to nearby Bath. They found a 100 year old farmhouse on 11 acres. Over the years, they raised four children, while adding to and remodeling their home.

Bernard lived an interesting life, especially after acquiring his first horse at the age of twelve. They became constant companions. Soon after, he saw an ad in the local paper of an upcoming horse race. The day of the event, he mounted his steed and rode (bare-back) the twelve miles away to register. Upon arrival, the gatekeeper took his $5 and pointed him to the gates.

Bernard quickly discovered this was no amateur race. These were thoroughbred horses, mounted with jockeys appropriately dressed. Nevertheless, he took his place at the assigned gate....no saddle nor a shirt on his back. Keep in mind, neither he nor his horse had ever raced before. When the race started and the gates flew open, the competitors' horses flew out. Bernard's horse slowly exited. But for whatever reason, it finally got the "hang of it" and took off. Bernard was holding on to the mane as tightly as he could. As the other horses hooves slung dirt clods back at Bernard's horse, his horse got angry and started running faster. They began passing horse after horse with the crowd cheering the twelve year old boy on. Near the finish line, Bernard's horse saw an open gate off to the right and started running toward it. Bernard pulled the mane to the left which got his horse back on track. In that effort, Bernard fell off but his horse finished 3rd. Thus, the lifelong love of horses was instilled in him. He involved as many of his children as possible, giving them opportunities to show and be part of this hobby he loved, especially Kim.

They traveled to several states, winning trophies and ribbons to show for their efforts. Their home became a monument very quickly. Janet stayed in the background but prepared show suits for Bernard's competitions.

Not only did Bernard participate in showing, he was also recognized by the Ohio Breeder's Association over several years for breeding, raising and training championship show horses.

Bernard retired from his private medical practice after 51 years. But after Janet passed a year later in August, 2013, he went back to work. This time, he worked for insurance companies to medically qualify applicants for their services. After twelve years, he permanently retired this past fall.

Bernard was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; parents, Lloyd and Cassie Howell Smith; brother, Homer Charles, as well as his grandparents and all of his aunts and uncles. Those who remain to cherish his memory are his children, Greg Smith, Thomas Smith, Julie Perkins (Allen) and Kimberly (Phil) Gerber; grandchildren, Dan Baranowski, Brian Baranowski, Baylee Baranowski, Phillip Gerber, Briana Perkins, Kaitlin Karroll, Sevannah Perkins, Joe Smith, Zach Smith, Scott Smith, Mike Smith and Kevin Smith; several great-grandchildren; a host of cousins; plus special friend, Bob.

Friends may call 5-8 P.M. THURSDAY January 15th, 2026 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road. The funeral service will be held 11 A.M. FRIDAY January 16th, 2026 at Billow’s. Interment at Moore’s Chapel Cemetery. Friends and family are cordially invited to Billow’s for a luncheon immediately following the services at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dr. Smith's memory may be made to Saddlebred Rescue Inc. (6 Meadow Cliff Ln, Hardwick Township, NJ 07825).

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)