Thomas E. Smith

Thomas E. Smith obituary, Massillon, OH

Thomas E. Smith

Thomas Smith Obituary

Visit the Paquelet and Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Homes website to view the full obituary.

Thomas E. Smith, 85, of Massillon, passed away January 9, 2026.

Tom was born on July 3, 1940, in Massillon, OH to the late Clarence Smith and Margaret Grimes.

He was a 1958 graduate of Massillon Washington High School, where he was on the swimming and diving team, and remained a lifelong Tigers fan. He retired from Fleming Foods after 30 years of employment. Tom loved music, and was a member of the Canton Men’s Chorus.

Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karen Smith; children Laura Riese (Rob), Lisa Wilson (Mark), and Thomas Smith; grandchildren David (Shaun), Robbie, Katheryn, Holly, Connor, A.J., Trevor, Colton and Dane; three great grandchildren Gracie, Weston and Jaxton; very special cousin Jayne (Tom) Reinerts.

Per Tom’s request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held on January 24, 2026, 12 PM, at Chapel of the Cross, 14411 Orrville St. NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666. In Tom’s memory, donations may be made to Chapel of the Cross Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Paquelet and Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Homes

1100 Wales Rd NE, Massillon, OH 44646

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