John Paul Smith 93 of Richmond died July 25, 2022, at Friends Fellowship Community. He was born May 9, 1929, in Billingsville to Frank and Lena Schumann Smith and lived here most of his life. After graduating from Richmond High School, John went to work for the Palladium-Item. He worked there for more than 40 years as Composing Room Foreman and then PR Manager.
John loved to fish, bowl, and play cards with his friends. He enjoyed vacationing with his family and friends and was able to have many memorable adventures with them. In his retirement, he became an accomplished woodworker. His handcrafted furniture will live on as part of his legacy for many years to come.
He was an active 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #580 for many years. He was a familiar face at the KofC Council Hall, and for several years served as its manager. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish.
He and his wife Norma enjoyed 72 years of marriage. He went to be with her after her death two weeks ago.
Survivors include two children Debra (Brian) Doggett and Timothy (Sandy) Smith four grandchildren Jason Andrade, Shelley White, Amy, and Kasey Smith, and five great-grandchildren Dylan, Caitlyn, Samuel, Kinlee, and Raegan, and several nieces and nephews, brother-in-laws William Denny and Dudley Ramsey and sister-in-law, Ann Smith. In addition to his wife Norma John is preceded in death by one son Randy. He is also preceded in death by his 10 brothers and sisters along with 8 of their spouses, Mary Margaret (Herbert) Drook, Anna (Harold) Campbell, Agnes (Lawrence) Hough, Hilda Denny, Joseph (Phyllis) Smith, Florence (Fred) Tieman, Ellen (Robert) Shaw, Charles Smith, Rosemary Ramsey, and Thomas Smith.
Liturgy of Christian Burial for both John and Norma will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at St. Andrews Catholic Church. His burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, August 2 at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home. John’s family has asked for attendees to please consider wearing a mask for health reasons. Online condolences may be shared with the family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com.