Richard L. Smith, 57, of Ligonier, passed away at 10:20 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, at IU Health Goshen Hospital in Goshen. He was born on May 6, 1958, to Bethel Don and Viola S. (Gavreledes) Smith-Fetters in Elwood. On June 25, 2000, he married Tina Franks in The Rock Church, Cromwell.
He graduated from Elwood High School and went on to serve his country honorably in the Air Force. Richard worked at Silgan Plastics for 28 years. He enjoyed fishing, boating, all sports, loved to travel and enjoyed concerts with his wife Tina, and was man of many skills. Richard was selfless and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and his dog, Rocky.
Surviving are his wife: Tina; four children: Dianna (Derek) Hawkins, Ligonier; Christopher (Whitney) Dixon, Anacortes, Wash.; Aaron (Gaylynn) Dixon, Cromwell; Cody Hastings, Ligonier; six grandchildren: Julian; Landon; Samuel; Lilly; Samara; and baby Matthias; a brother: Don (Georgeanna) Smith, Elwood. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister: Sandy Krise.
A memorial service will be held in Mr. Smith’s honor at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, with Pastor Josh Vargas officiating. A private family burial will take place. There will be a time of visitation an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to The Wounded Warrior Project.