Roy L. Smith, 77, of rural Larwill, died peacefully at his home at 6:55 a.m. Thursday, December 16, 2021.

Born on May 12, 1944, in Columbia City, Indiana, he was the son of the late Claude and June (Lovely) Smith. Growing up in Columbia City, he graduated from Columbia City High School in 1962. He then attended Purdue University, Fort Wayne.

On September 21, 1963, he married Kay L. Lahm. They made their home in Columbia City, moving to Warsaw in 1980 and Chicago in 1988. In 1990, they returned to Columbia City, eventually locating in rural Larwill. For the past two decades, the couple wintered in Zephyrhills, FL.

Roy began his work career with BF Goodrich, Fort Wayne, in 1963. In 1968, he moved to Weatherhead in Columbia City until taking a job in 1973 with United Telephone/Sprint as an engineering and construction manager. His 24 years of service took him to Chicago for a year, but he primarily worked from the Warsaw office. A tragic work-related accident, when a drunk driver hit him, left him disabled. He retired in 1997.

He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Blue Lodge F&AM 189, Columbia City, 30-year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Columbia City and attended Sugar Creek Church in Tunker.

Fun-loving and full of life, he was quick with a joke and delighted in singing. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, often on a sightseeing excursion with his wife. In retirement, he enjoyed mowing the grass with his grandchildren aboard the riding mower in a homemade box fashioned for them. He liked to swim with the grandkids at his pond and made sure everyone had their own fishing pole. Good at playing cards, he enjoyed the games cribbage, pinochle, and euchre. He is remembered by his family and neighborhood friends for his delicious theatre-style popcorn that he shared with all.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 58 years, Kay; children, Dawn L. (Michael) Shaw of Pittsboro, Eric C. (Nicole) Smith of Larwill, and Lance J. (Sheila) Smith of Columbia City; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister Peggy Sturgill of Mooresville, and his special dog, Sophie.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a daughter Robin L. Ropp, and a sister Patricia Mohler.

The funeral service is 1:30 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Nolt Cemetery. Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation.