John Smith

John Matt Smith

GENEVA, John Matt Smith, 79, passed away in the care of Hospice of the Western Reserve on April 30, 2020.

He was born in Clio, Kentucky on June 8, 1940, the son of Rev. Will M. and Nannie J. Smith.

John served in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963. On February 13, 1971, John married the love of his life – Sara Jane Hawk Smith. John and Sara were members of New Day Christian Church in Madison. He retired as a truck driver from Matlack Trucking. John was an avid coon hunter and a member of the Ashtabula County Coon Hunters Club. He was also a breeder and trainer of Redbone Coonhounds and co-owned Red Arrow Kennel. He enjoyed farming, playing cards and spending time with his family. John was always quick to lend a helping hand and he could fix anything.

He leaves loving memories to be cherished by his daughters: Judy Smartt of Geneva, Kathy (Joseph) Monreal of Perry, Belinda Lorenzo of Geneva and Teresa (Brian) Heavilin of Perry; as well as Georgina (Raymond) Lang and Cathy Ross whom he loved as if they were his own daughters; his grandchildren: Victoria (John) DeMore, Angela (Daniel) Husek, Melaney (Matt) Monreal-Starling, Joseph (Brian Loretz) Monreal, Kirra and Gavin Heavilin; and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters: Emma Elizabeth Moses, Billie Ellis, Aleen Dyer, and Alzena Sams.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, his sister Ruth Carr, and brothers James Smith and Isaac Smith.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Hospice of the Western Reserve for their loving care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family.

Services will be held to celebrate John’s life on Saturday April 24, 2021 at the New Day Christian Church, 6835 N. Ridge Road, Madison, Ohio.  The family will receive guests from 12:00-1:00;  Military honors will follow the visitation right outside the church entranceway starting at 1:00p.m.  The memorial service will start following military honors.  A luncheon to further celebrate John's life will follow after the conclusion of the memorial services right at the church.