Gary Thomas Smith

Gary Thomas Smith, 79

July 20, 1946 – August 16, 2025

Gary Thomas Smith, age 79, of Wauseon, Ohio, formerly of Ligonier, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at Ayden Nursing Home, where he had resided for the past several years following complications from Covid. Recently under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Gary was born on July 20, 1946, in Ligonier, Indiana, to the late Grover and Glenda Smith. He was also preceded in death by his elder brother, Grover "Frank" Smith of South Carolina.

Gary is now reunited with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his beloved wife, Karen Wyse Smith, with whom he shared 26 years of devoted and loving marriage. They were married at Lockport Mennonite Church after a friendship blossomed into a lifelong bond.

Gary was baptized at a revival in Stony Creek after receiving Christ, along with his parents and brother. Later in life, he rededicated his walk with the Lord and became an avid follower of the Gospel. He cherished every opportunity to witness, serving as a true Barnabas-an encourager and an instrument of grace to all he met.

His favorite book was his Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, which he and Karen faithfully read together, completing it yearly and spending time in prayer. They also enjoyed the companionship of their dogs, Bo and Stinker, as well as camping, playing cards, and visiting local thrift stores.

Gary loved conversation and could talk with anyone. He was involved in various writing ministries, enjoyed sharing the Word of God, reminiscing, and had a gift for bringing laughter and joy to those around him. A practical and genuine man, Gary was truly a "take-me-as-I-am" person-if you knew him, you loved him.

A graduate of Ligonier High School, Gary went on to earn his electrician's degree. He worked for Penn Controls and, later in life, enjoyed part-time work with Pizza Hut before becoming permanently disabled.

Gary and Karen, introduced by her sister Darlene, were always thankful to God for bringing them together. They deeply loved their home and community in Wauseon.

He is survived by his niece, Kimberly Smith Albertson (Michael) of South Carolina; great-nephew, Samuel Albertson of South Carolina; and sister-in-law, Judy Smith.

He is also lovingly survived by the beloved family he gained through Karen, who became his own:

• Darlene Wyse Dechant (the late John) of Syracuse, IN

• Faith Frey (the late Ron) of Fremont, IN

• LuAnn West (Mark) of Huntingburg, IN

• Jeff Wyse (Angie) of Archbold, OH

Graveside services will be held at Salem Cemetery, Ligonier, Indiana, on Thursday, September 11, at 11:00 a.m., with Adam from Grisier's Funeral Home officiating. Friends and family are welcome.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Sam at Grisier and honored friends Ryan Moorehead and Linda for their encouragement, as well as to Heartland Hospice and the Ayden staff for their compassionate care of Gary.

Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.grisierfh.com and clicking on the "Tribute Wall."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gospel Echoes Team Prison Ministry, P.O. Box 555, Goshen, IN 46527, (574) 533-0221, info@gospelechoes.com.