Howard W. Smith, 88, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away with his wife at his side on Thursday, March 9, 2017 in  Fort Wayne, Indiana.  
  
He was born on July 22, 1928 to Lonnie and Thelma (Maxwell) Smith in Sharon, Pennsylvania. He served our country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. On December 27, 1958 he married Catherine (Lynch) Smith, who resides in Fort Wayne. 
  
Howard was a member of  First Presbyterian Church in Defiance. Formerly of Defiance, he lastly resided at the Towne House Retirement Center in Fort Wayne, IN. He worked for Erie RR, Westinghouse Electric, and General Motors. Howard was a model railroad enthusiast, and was a member of the Defiance Model Railroaders. He also enjoyed stained glass making. When he was younger, Howard had a pilot's license and owned his own plane. He will be missed by so many that knew him. 
  
Howard is survived by his loving spouse of  58 years, Catherine L. Smith of Fort Wayne, IN, sons, Larry (Jeanne) Smith and Eric (Pastor Debbie) Smith, all of Fort Wayne, IN, daughter, Jennifer (John) Ruggles of Indianapolis, and eight grandchildren. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Lonnie Smith.
  
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon at the funeral home, with Pastor Debbie Smith officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memory Gardens, with Graveside Military Rites accorded by VFW #3360.
  
In lieu of flowers, please send Memorials to First Presbyterian Church in Defiance, or the American Diabetes Association.