Ivan Ray Smith

Ivan Ray Smith, 89, of French Lick, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025.

The son of Irene (Leaser) Smith and Clayton Smith, Ivan was born on March 9, 1936 in Eckerty, Indiana. He married Eileen Anderson in 1957 and on September 21, 2025 they celebrated 68 years of marriage. She survives.

Ivan was a graduate of French Lick High School.

Ivan lived a life defined by presence, service, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Ivan’s life was a steady example of what it means to show up—consistently, humbly, and without expectation of anything in return.

Ivan’s strength was forged early, growing up alongside his mom, dad, brothers, and sister while working the family farm. Those formative years instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility that remained with him throughout his life.

While the jobs Ivan held never defined him, the way he worked did, with a commitment and belief that what was started would be finished. That belief followed him through every season of life and was evident right up until the very end. Just before his illness, Ivan was still doing what he had always done—working the land—this time alongside his beloved friend Larry Purlee on Larry’s farm. It was a fitting exclamation point on a life well-lived.

Ivan’s service to others truly knew no bounds. He put the needs of everyone ahead of his own, regardless of the hour or the circumstance. He never wanted to burden anyone or cause worry, choosing instead to quietly give, fix, mow, repair, and help however he could. Cars, trucks, mowers, and just about anything else that needed attention often found their way into Ivan’s capable hands—hands that were rarely without his trusty pocket knife, always ready for whatever task might come next.

Family was at the heart of everything Ivan did. As Papaw and Papaw Ivan, he was never too tired or too busy to get down on the floor to play with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, even well into his 80s, and perhaps just as impressive was his ability to get back up again without missing a beat. His love for the “little ones” was unmistakable, often punctuated by a knowing smile and a bit of cash slipped into small hands, a simple gesture that spoke volumes about his generosity and joy.

Ivan Smith lived a life focused on being there when he was needed. His strength was quiet, his love was constant, and his service was endless. He leaves behind a legacy not just of hard work, but of kindness, laughter, faithfulness, and love—a legacy that will continue to live on through the many lives he touched simply by showing up and serving.

Surviving with his wife of 68 years, Eileen, are his children, Kevin and his wife Debbie of Jasper, and daughter Karla Cooper and her husband Chris of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Adam Smith and his wife Cresta of Houston, Texas, Derek Smith and his wife Michelle, of Jasper, Kyle Cooper and his wife Kelsey of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and Kara Cooper Preston and her husband Nick of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; great-grandchildren, Elliott Clayton Smith, Oliver Matthew Smith, Sofie Rae Smith, Robert Ivan Smith, Lainey Jane Cooper, and Rory Lynn Cooper; and sister Ruth Ann (Smith) Borden and husband Bob of Birdseye. He is also survived by Jady and Jennifer Hill of French Lick and their children, Brody and Evelyn, who provided love and care to Ivan and Eileen for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Irene Smith; and younger brothers Marvin Lee Smith and Darrel Smith.

A funeral service for Ivan will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home in French Lick. Pastor Darrel Land will officiate. The visitation for family and friends will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in honor of Ivan through the names of the loves of his life, his grandchildren, Adam, Derek, Kyle, and Kara and his greatgrandchildren, Elliott, Oliver Sofie, Robert, Lainey, and Rory to the Matt C. Harris Foundation For Kids (Working for Children of French Lick and West Baden).

Donations can be sent to the Orange County Community Foundation, 1075 N. Sandy Hook Road, Suite 2, Paoli, IN 47454, designating the donation to the Matt C. Harris Foundation For Kids.