Frederick Smith Obituary

Frederick Gordon Smith

Frederick Gordon "Fred" Smith, 80, of Toledo, peacefully passed away Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in Toledo.

He was born Jan. 19, 1943, in Findlay, to Stanley C. and Thelma (Price) Smith. He married Barbara A. Von Stein and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by three children, Rebecca P. (Joseph) Hench, Chadwick I. Smith, and Jeffrey G. (Heather) Smith; and seven grandchildren, Keiji Smith, Abigail Hench, Danielle Hench, Thomas Hench, John Hench, Liam Smith, and Owen Smith.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Marilyn Beach.

Fred was known for his charming and humorous personality and was a 1961 graduate of Arlington High School. He proudly served in U.S. Air Force from 1964-1968 as an Air Policeman stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base. His service was at a critical time in Cold War history and he enjoyed telling stories about how he was posted at a guard shack 27 miles in the "middle of nowhere" protecting a Minuteman missile site with a box lunch "that a mountain lion wouldn't eat." Fred received his BA from Bowling Green State University in 1971. He worked in banking out of college and the rest of his career was in sales, selling insurance and security systems. Fred loved to golf and kayak in his spare time. He enjoyed traveling and attending events supporting his grandchildren.

Fred's funeral will be 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay, with Pastor Steven Ramsey officiating. Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at Arlington Cemetery with Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad presenting full military rites. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, and 10-11 a.m. Monday.

Memorials can be made to Good Hope Lutheran Church of Arlington and online condolences can be sent via coldrencrates.com.