John C. Smith died on Monday, December 26, 2022 at the age of 84.  He was born on August 9, 1938 in West Liberty, Ohio to his beloved parents, Johnson C. Smith and Helen Coleman Smith who preceded him in death.  Also preceding him in death were his daughter, Brenda Lee Smith, his brothers, George and James Smith, sisters, Kathleen Wren and Carolyn Heminger and his dear brothers and sisters-in law.

John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carolyn S. Lantz Smith, his children, Tami (Sky) Shelby of Mason, OH, Gary (Shelia) Smith of Bellefontaine and Denise (Shane) Foote of Plymouth, MI, grandchildren Chelsea, Olivia, Madison, Bucky, Brandon, Skyler, Conner, Cameron and Caitlin, great grandchildren Korbin, Karsen and Sawyer and his sisters, Mary Alexander and Eileen (Alan) Kauffman.

Growing up in West Liberty, John attended Zanesfield Monroe School.  He married Carolyn S. Lantz on September 7, 1957.  John and Carolyn were adventurous, enjoying vacationing, boating, skiing and snowmobiling.  Most memorable were the many camping trips and game nights with the Smith Family solidifying the importance of family to their three children.

John began working at Super Value Food Mart in 1958 for his father-in-law, Walter Lantz.  After Walter's passing, John owned and operated Super Value with his two brothers-in-law, Gene and Duane Lantz until his retirement in 1996.  During this time, he employed and mentored many young men and women through the high school DECA program.  During retirement, John still enjoyed the many former employees connecting with him in the community.

An avid horseman, John enjoyed raising and training harness horses for over 40 years with his greatest accomplishment winning the Ohio Breeder's Championship with Dee's Tuition along with several other major racing accomplishments.  John was a long-time member of the Ohio Harness Horsemen Association and the United States Trotting Association.  He was instrumental in promoting harness racing at the Logan County Fair.  He made many close friends in the racing industry while traveling throughout the country.

After retirement, John enjoyed working a variety of part-time positions as he appreciated continuing to be part of the community.

Pastor John James will officiate a funeral service at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home 5591 US Route 68 S. West Liberty, Ohio 43357.  Burial will follow in Bellefontaine Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity in his honor.