Obituaries

May 3, 1937 to January 19, 2025

WINAMAC - Richard W. Smith, 87, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 19, at his home with his wife by his side.

He was born May 3, 1937 at the family farm outside of Lawton, to the late Walter L. and Virginia Eva [Bridegroom] Smith. He was a 1955 graduate of Monterey High School where he enjoyed being a part of the basketball team. He joined the U.S. Navy on Feb. 29, 1956 and was stationed in Quonset Point, RI. He was honorably discharged Dec. 22, 1957 and served out his reserve obligation from home. He married Pauline A. [Miller] Bonnell on May 18, 1985, in Greasewood Flats, AZ. She survives.

Richard Smith

He is also survived by:
Rory R. (Stephanie) Smith, Monterey, Son
Jackie Smith, Culver, Daughter-in-law
Shan Elisa (Doug) Farmer, St. Joseph, MI, Daughter
Alicia R. (Ron) Lucas, St. Peters, MO, Daughter
Justin R. Smith, Indianapolis, Son
Grandchildren: Rhiannon Banks, Jacob Smith, Alex Sage, Taylor Odle, Jebediah Smith, Maggie Smith, Kristi Sprout, Keaton Smith, Kourtney Smith, Cole Lucas, and Dru Lucas. Numerous Great-Grandchildren
Michael E. (Rosie) Smith, Brother
Linda Smith, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews
Jeffery O. (Diana) Bonnell, Warsaw, Step-Son
Kenton D. (Jane) Bonnell, Kewanna, Step-Son
Michelle J. Grostefon, Winamac, Step-Daughter
Bradley J. (Tonya) Bonnell, Winamac, Step Son
Step-Grandchildren: Ryan Bonnell, Jacob Bonnell, Kristin Clemons, Kraig Clemons, Kayla Adams, Shane Bonnell, Devin Bonnell, Casey Bonnell, Andrea Davis, Melissa Ledman, Erin Morehead, Katie Grayson, Keilly Parish, Dawson Grostefon, and Evan Bonnell.
Numerous Step-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Ryan C. Smith, Son
Everett L. (Pat) Smith, Brother
Kenneth L. Smith, Brother
Sue Ann (Michael) Link, Sister
Cindy K. Smith, Infant Sister
Emily Bonnell, Step-Granddaughter
Chase A. Bonnell, Step-Grandson

Mr. Smith lived and farmed in rural Monterey for many years. He was a dependable neighbor and friend who was known to help anyone in need. He served many years on the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Monterey American Legion and the Monterey United Methodist Church. He enjoyed deer hunting, mushroom hunting and collecting arrowheads. In 1983, he began dating Pauline Bonnell. The next year, he retired from farming. After marriage to Pauline, he began a second career as a heavy equipment operator in Arizona, later working at Vulcan Materials in Indiana. He piloted a power parachute for many years and enjoyed taking aerial photos while flying. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Monterey Volunteer Fire Department.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.