DeWayne Franklin Smith , 80, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 30, 1943, he was a son of the late Howard and Mabel Irene (George) Smith. Growing up in Columbia Twp., Whitley County, he completed Columbia Twp. School and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1962. Never married, he lived his entire life in Whitley County.

On March 22, 1965, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War.  He was honorably discharged on December 21, 1966. He completed his reserve duty on March 21, 1971

Following his discharge, he went to work for General Electric, Fort Wayne. He began as a production worker and later moved to expediting. He retired in 1998 with over 30 years of service. In his retirement, he continued to work part-time with Fort Wayne Foundry, Columbia City.

At home, he enjoyed flower gardening and large rock landscaping. He collected antique toy tractors, waterfowl plates, and tin containers tastefully displayed around his home.

He was a member of the Oak Grove Church of God and Columbia City VFW post 5582.

Surviving are his sisters, Barbara (Richard) Cartwright of Churubusco, Karen Sandlin of Huntington, and Toni (Kenneth) Brewster of Rockwood; a niece, Carmen Cartwright of Churubusco; nephews, Troy Sandlin of Huntington, and Andrew (Sonya Clark) Cartwright of Denver, CO; step-nephews, Israel (Becca) Brewster of Alaska, Micah Brewster of Idaho; great-nieces, Cassidy Ann Sandlin, and Alyssa Cartwright.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother Gary Smith, a brother-in-law, Roy Sandlin, a nephew, Daniel Smith Cartwright, and step-nephew Josiah Brewster.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday at the Oak Grove Church of God, 2426 S Raber Rd, Columbia City. Interment is at the Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors. Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and 1 hour before the service at the church.

Memorials in DeWayne's honor are to the Oak Grove Church of God.