FREDERICKTOWN – Brian T. Smith, 59, passed away April 8, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born May 20, 1963, to George and Betty (nee Hall) Smith in Mount Vernon. He was a 1981 graduate of Fredericktown High School.
Raised on beautiful Knox Lake and always at home outdoors, Brian was happiest in the woods chasing his next deer, searching for the perfect duck-hunting spot or on the water fishing for the biggest smallmouth bass Ohio had to offer. Whether it was a farm pond, Charles Mill or Lake Erie, he was just happy to have a line in the water. He took great pride in his skill and job as a CNC machinist at Emerson in Mansfield, where he worked for 25 years and left behind friends he considered family.
He loved all things history and couldn't stay away from auctions or Lincoln Byway Sales. He rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy and loved cheering for his favorite team, especially his beloved Buckeyes. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren as they were the light of his life.
He will be deeply missed by many, especially his loving wife, Diane; children: Corbin (Jerica) of Columbus and Hannah (Josh) Webb of Ashland; stepchildren: Beth (Ryan) Kostecky and Kristin (Chris) Wagoner, all of Toledo and grandchildren whom he adored: Sophia and Judah Webb and Wyatt and Emma Kostecky.
He is also survived by his mother, Betty Smith and siblings, Brad and Mark, Amy (John) McCurdy, Jennifer (David) Snow, Becky (Fred) Hoefleck, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, George and his beloved grandmother, Mable Hall, always her Sonny Boy.
A celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Sunday, May 7, at 1 p.m. at the Messerly Recreation Building at Charles Mill Lake Park, 1277A OH-430 Mansfield.
Submitted by Diane Smith.
