Richard Smith, 93, of Portage Ohio passed away Monday May 22, 2023. He was born September 29, 1929 to Clarence and Esther (Marron) Smith. He married Donna (Hodgman) Smith on December 5, 1952 who preceded his death on September 1, 2018.
Richard served his country in The United States Army. After his honorable discharge he served in the National Guard of The United States. He was recognized by the Local 6 of Toledo, Ohio Sheet Metal Workers Union for his many years as a journeyman. He started his career at a young age working in his father’s shop “Smith Brothers Welding.” Richard was a sheet metal worker for 76 years at the local Sheet Metal Union 33. In the 50’s he and his wife Donna began a rental business. Along with their rental business, they also housed numerous graduate students from all over the world in their own home.
In the early 70’s they founded E&C Campground. Richard and his wife Donna were the owners and operators of the former Teddy Bear Lounge, which is today known as Brathaus in Bowling Green. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. Richard’s greatest joy in life came from the time spent with his family.
Richard is survived by his daughters Vickie (Jim) Konrad of Austin, Texas, Michelle “Shellie” (Ron) Sterling of Wayne, Ohio and Renea (Martin) Baer of Portage, Ohio, grandchildren Justin Betancourt, Aaron Betancourt, Christle Peter, Steven Sterling, Nathan Sterling, Tyler (Madeline) Baer, Michael (Olivia) Baer and Jacqueline (Mathew) Baer, and great-grandchildren Brayden, Eli, Presley, Damon, Dolan, Emma, Landen, Lincoln, Caiden and Charlotte.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday May 25, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St. Pastor Bill Rhodes will officiate.
Interment will follow at Portage Cemetery in Portage, Ohio. Wood County Honor Detail will perform a Military Honor Service. Visitation will be held Thursday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of his funeral service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
The Smith family would sincerely like to thank Central Joint, Mid-County Ambulance, Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Wood County Hospital, Wood County Committee on Aging and Bridge Hospice that have assisted the family over the past several years.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the Central Joint Fire District or Donor’s Choice.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Smith family please visit dunnfuneralhome.com.
