Gary Smith

Gary Smith, 74 passed away on July 28, 2026 due to injuries sustained in a car/pedestrian accident on December 16, 2025. He was born on February 3, 1952 to the late Leonard and Angelene (Freund) Smith. On July 27, 1974 he married Joanne (Hesseling) Smith who survives in Delphos.

He is also survived by his son, Daniel Smith of Findlay and daughters Jennifer (Grant) Brown of Fairborn and Erin (Daniel) Gerbec of Westerville. His grandchildren are Colin and Gabbie Smith, Elliott, Jillian, Nick and Patrick Brown and Evelyn, Ben and Andrew Gerbec.

He is survived by his siblings, David (Leslie) Smith, Laura (Bill) Priest, Patrice (Kalen) Mingle, Joseph (Cheryl) Smith, Mark (Maryanne) Smith, Wayne (Lisa) Smith and Lanna (Barry) Shawgo. His in-laws include, Jerry (Rosie) Hesseling, Patricia Schneider, Kenny (Anita) Hesseling, Thomas (Irene) Hesseling, Mary (Tony) Drerup, Dave Hesseling and Anita (Jim) Kaverman. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary was a 1970 graduate of Delphos St. Johns High School. He was employed as a maintenance mechanic at Federal Mogul in Van Wert for 43 years. He also was engaged in farming, having grown up on a farm in Landeck and eventually realizing his dream of owning his own farmland in 1995.

He was a member of Delphos St. John Parish and a long time member of the mixed choir and an original member of the Men’s Schola. He was a gifted musician and loved to sing. He also enjoyed playing the piano and guitar, especially with his brothers. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He had an ability to fix or build almost anything and was always willing to use those skills to help others.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, integrity and story telling ability. Most of all he will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 31 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos, where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:45 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Parish Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at weberfh.net.