Scott L. Smith

Scott L. Smith
July 11, 1959 – June 23, 2023

Scott Lee Smith, age 63 of Deshler, Ohio, passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023, in Holbrook, Arizona.

He was born July 11, 1959, in Bowling Green, Ohio, to the late Robert Thomas and Sharon Sue (McMaster) Smith.  The eldest of six children, Scott was always looked up to as the big brother and he was a constant source of support and guidance to his parents and siblings.  He was baptized and raised as a catholic and member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Deshler.

On June 25, 1990, he married Sharon (Kitchen) Smith, in Napoleon, Ohio, and she survives. 

Scott was a 1978 graduate of Patrick Henry High School.  At the young age of 10, Scott had a newspaper delivery business, followed by working for Gary Allen at Allen’s Hardware, Al Seaburn of the former 76 Gas Station and eventually took a mechanic job for the Deshler Farmer’s Elevator.  In 1981, Scott purchased his first privately owned International cabover semi and eagerly began a career driving independently.  His career as a long-haul truck driver easily included over 6.8 million miles from coast to coast and awarded him with many life-long friends.  He especially enjoyed hauling machinery for the military.  He was exceptional at delivering on time and safely: his lifetime record was accident free.  In 2011, alongside his wife, Sharon, they were granted authority and began operating their own trucking company with multiple trucks, known as Smith Transportation.  In 2020, son Patrick joined their trucking company.  Back home in Deshler, Scott, Sharon and their son, Greg, owned and operated Smith Tire Sales and Towing.  Scott was a proud member of the Deshler Volunteer Fire Department.  He was born and raised in Deshler and cared very deeply for his community and neighbors.  He volunteered many hours and utilized his equipment to serve his hometown.  Whether he was moving a caboose display, pulling a trailer of school kids in a local parade, hosting a truck show in downtown Deshler or putting on a free fair alongside Sharon, Scott’s giving nature shined through.

When Scott wasn’t hard at work, he enjoyed his family life.  He spent years building and racing go-carts with his boys.  They would race continually at the Yarnell Bros. track and even travelled to Indiana to compete where they often took first place.  The family spent time on the Maumee River and Devils Lake.  They would enjoy all the pleasures of boating, tubing and camping life.  As grandkids came, things may have slowed down a bit, but golf cart rides and attending sports and activities became his new activities.  He enjoyed truck shows, motorcycle trips with Sharon on their Harley and regular trips for Jac-n-Do’s pizza in Findlay.

Scott will always be loved and remembered as a supportive husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle.  He is survived by his wife, Sharon; six children: Todd (Erin) Smith, Jennifer (Tim) Guelde, Clint (Molly) Smith, Gregory (Tricia) Smith, Patrick (Ashley) Petersen and Ryan (Stephanie) Petersen; as well as 21 grandchildren:  Thomas, Grant, Jake, Laila, Jaxson, Sophie, Macy, Skylar, Kenny, Dutton, Brett, Kierestin (Ryan), Tori, Kinzley, AJ, Gracey, Brayden, Behnjamin, Brezlyn, Brantlee, and six great grandchildren: Zoey, Grayson, Ryan, Remington, Lucas and Halle.  He is also survived by sisters, Sharon (Howard) Arens and Kim (Rob) Bonner; and brothers-in-law, Brad (Patty) Kitchen and Michael Kitchen, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Scott was also preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law; a brother, Michael Smith, two sisters; Ann Smith Labie; Krissy Smith and granddaughter, Chanel.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler, Ohio, with Pastor Chris Walter officiating.  Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler, Ohio. 

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, 2023, in the funeral home with a Fireman’s Last Call Service at 8:00 p.m.

Scott’s family suggests memorials be made to Deshler’s Fireman's Association or the donor’s choice. 

Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.