MOUNT VERNON – Jeffrey L. Smith, 79, of Mount Vernon passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022, at the Country Club Nursing Home in Mount Vernon. He was born on Feb. 6, 1943, in Mount Vernon, the son of Earl and Mary (Gossett) Smith. Jeff proudly served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965 and retired from Columbia Gas after 29 years of employment.

Jeff loved his John Deere tractors and enjoyed riding them in the Centerburg parades and working in his yard. He was a member of the Colonial City Moose Lodge and Amvets Post #95 and enjoyed nothing more than watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

He is survived by his wife, Becky (Shrimplin) Smith, whom he married on Sept. 17, 1993; his children, Laura Toller, Ann (Gregg) Burgess, Emily (Michael) Schroeder, Walter (Christy) Shockley Jr and Sara Bagwell; grandchildren, Logan (Taylor) Rothgeb, Dayne Burgess, Tanner Burgess, Chevy (Daisy) Shockley, Jon Bagwell and Katie Strickland; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Marlee and Lenna; a sister, Eleanor Jo (Harvey) Keckley; sister-in-law, Sheila Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Jesse Strickland; and a brother, Earl Smith.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 26, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home, 201 Newark Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050, where friends may call from 12 noon until the time of service. Pastor Marvin Haught will be officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council will follow in Brandon Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions in Jeff’s name may be made to the Knox County Humane Society.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Jeffrey L. Smith.