Obituary

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of John Smith Jr., who passed away on October 16, 2026, at the age of 65.

John was more than a husband, father, family member, and friend. He was a man whose love was shown not just through words, but through his actions. He was a devoted family man who believed that the greatest gift you could give someone was simply being there. And John was always there.

At the heart of John’s life was his beloved wife, Linda, whom he loved deeply. Together, they shared a life built on love, family, and countless memories. Linda held a special place in his heart, and the love they shared was an important part of the life and family he treasured so dearly.

Above all else, John’s greatest pride and joy were his four daughters, Danett Harr, Sara Zungali, Ashley Smith, and Kayla Smith. Being their dad was not just a role he embraced; it was his greatest accomplishment. He was their protector, their biggest supporter, their constant source of love, and without question, the best girl dad in the world.

John had a special way of making each of his daughters feel loved, supported, and important. Whether celebrating life’s biggest milestones or showing up for the smallest moments, he was always someone they could count on. His unwavering presence, strength, and unconditional love created memories that his daughters will carry with them forever.

John adored his grandchildren and cherished every moment he shared with them. He was a loving grandfather and a strong father role model for them all, teaching them through his actions what it meant to be dependable, caring, strong, and present. His love and guidance will remain a lasting part of their lives.

An avid outdoorsman, John found peace and happiness in nature. He especially enjoyed hunting, a passion that reflected his appreciation for the outdoors and the simple pleasures in life. The woods were a place where he could enjoy the beauty and quiet of the world around him. A lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church, John served faithfully as a devoted leader of the annual Easter Breakfast. Professionally, he worked as a dedicated quality control inspector for GKI, JMF Industries, and Kongsberg Defense.

But no matter how much he loved the outdoors, nothing compared to the love he had for Linda, his daughters, and his grandchildren. His greatest legacy will never be measured by possessions or accomplishments, but by the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the extraordinary love he gave so freely.

John taught his daughters and grandchildren what it meant to be dependable, strong, loving, and present. He showed them that love is not simply something you say; it is something you do, every single day.

John is preceded in death by his father, John R. Smith, and his brothers, Michael, as well as infant brothers Mark Alan and Ernest Eugene.

He is survived by his mother, Shirley (Laslo) Smith; his loving wife, Linda (Doyle) Smith; his daughters, Danett Harr (Chris), Sara Zungali (Anthony), Ashley Smith, and Kayla Smith; his grandchildren, Gage D., Gavin, Mya, Ava, Jaxson, and Kinlee; his sisters, Deborah Staller (Daniel), Carol Goch (Jeff Phillips), and Catherine Clark; and his special friends, Gary Foor and Roger McClelland.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday October 20^th from 1-8 p.m. at Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 1521 Frankstown Rd., where a service will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Nancy Hoover, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to cancer research or Grace Lutheran Church.

Though John’s passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him, his spirit will live on through Linda, his daughters, his grandchildren, and the countless memories they shared. His love, guidance, and unwavering devotion to his family will remain a lasting part of their lives.

John Smith Jr. was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, an outdoorsman, and the very definition of what a family man should be.

He may no longer be here to show up in person, but the love he gave will continue to show up in the lives of those he loved for the rest of their days.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our husband, our Dad, our Pap, and our hero.

Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com