William "Sonny" Smith

William "Sonny" Smith
February 8, 1943 - September 17, 2025

   William Lyle "Sonny" Smith, 82, of Deshler, Ohio passed away at his home on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
   He was born February 8, 1943, the only child of William "Bill" Smith and Virginia (Hartman) Smith.  He was raised in Deshler  and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  He lived there until he married the love of his life, Wanda Lou Hoops on September 24, 1959 in New Castle, Pennsylvania.  They began life together in Fort Wayne, Indiana where Sonny worked at the Greiger Chevrolet Car Dealership until he was offered a job in Denver, Colorado.  In 1969, Sonny and Wanda moved their family west and started a new adventure in Colorado while he worked at Denver Dodge.  They stayed in Colorado until 2011 when they moved back to Deshler to be near his father.
  Sonny became a private pilot and enjoyed many hours of flight time.  He was seeking the pleasure of the sky or training to enhance his ratings as a pilot.  Together, Sonny and Wanda traveled extensively in the U.S. and out of the country.  He finished his career working as the general manager and parts manager at Northstar Car Dealership in Northglen, Colorado and he even spent time selling RV's and airplanes.  Through it all, he had a personality fit for the job.  He never knew a stranger and enjoyed every encounter and opportunity to talk to people.  Late in life, even with his health battles, he never failed to go places hoping to strike up a conversation or reminisce about past days.  He will be held in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
   He is survived by his wife, Wanda; two daughters, Katrina (Tod) Sharigian and Patrice Fairweather; two grandchildren, Anna Fairweather and Liam Sharigian; and many loving family members of both the Smith and Hoops families.
   Sonny was preceded in death by a son, Keith Allen Smith.
   Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler with Pastor Christopher Walter officiating.  Graveside services will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler and luncheon will follow at the church.
   Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler and from 10-11 a.m., Saturday at the church.
   The family would like to thank the Bridge Home Health & Hospice Staff for their genuine care of Sonny.
   The family suggests memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
   Messages and memories can be left at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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