Kokomo, IN - Written by Brian K. Smith -

I have lived a terrific life and am grateful for the fun and wonderful people who have been part of it. I have had amazing friends, but most importantly, - on March 18, 1967, in Logansport I married Kathleen "Kathy" Wiler at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. I have been blessed to spend all of my years with Kathy, my wife of nearly 60 years, my high school sweetheart since we were fifteen, the love of my life, and my best friend.

I am grateful for my education, profession, and all the people who were grateful for my service. After graduating from Logansport High School, I furthered my education at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, in 1973 graduating with an M.A. in Psychology - thanks to a baseball and football scholarship.

I chose to serve my country not only because the Vietnam War was raging and I watched friends and classmates answer the call-some making the ultimate sacrifice-but because I carried a deep love for this Nation and my fellow man, what began as a response to duty became a 27-1/2 year career with the United States Army.

I was born to wonderful parents, the late Harland and Iola (Steele) Smith on June 14, 1944, in LaPorte, Indiana, and passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo.

I was a member of Logansport Tipton Masonic Lodge No. 33 since 1965, receiving the Award of Gold for my 50th year of membership, as well as the Murat Shrine Temple in Indianapolis, the Logansport Shrine Club, Scottish Rite Valley of Pueblo, Colorado, and the Orient Lodge of Colorado, the American Legion Post 60 in Logansport and a proud life member of the NRA.

Surviving with my wife, Kathy, is my sister, Sandy Steinberger, of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Also surviving is my niece, Darci (Mike) Garbacz, of Jupiter, Florida; and my nephews, Matthew Nozykowski, Jonathan Elmer and Geoffrey Elmer.

I hope I have lived a life to merit the vision of Thee in Heaven, and to be reunited with family who loves me, including my parents, and my niece. Shelli Elmer. After prayerfully exploring all options, I am not having a public funeral - I feel it is meant to be a time to pray for the soul of the deceased, so a committal prayer based on Masonic principles and my faith in God, along with military honors will be accorded privately. Burial will be beside my parents in Ever-Rest Memorial Park.

Comfort my wife with a message of kind words and memories on my Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com. Celebrate my character and wishes by making a contribution to Canine Companions, 7480 New Albany Condit Road, New Albany, Ohio, 43054.