John E. Smith

John E. Smith age 85 passed away peacefully January 8 at the Prescott Nursing Home.

John was an amazing man. He was always so full of life! He never failed to walk in a room or greet you at the door with a great big smile and hello. No matter where he went, he always left with a new friend. He loved to take care of everyone around him. He made sure that you were warm enough, always had something to eat, or often had some dessert all ready for you. And he definitely made sure your glass was always full… with sometimes even an extra splash on top. You could easily say he was the ‘Host with the Most’!

Anyone that got to visit John’s house knows just how much he loved decorating…especially with lights. If it twinkled, turned, flashed, or was just plain colorful, John had it. The colors made his world a special place. When he got to add decorations in for Christmas too, that took things to a whole other level of beautiful! In addition to that, he had a knack for arranging furniture. It was something he loved and it kept him busy. Between the lights and the furniture, a visit to John’s was like visiting somewhere new every time.

John had a love for traveling, and especially finding a place by the ocean. He and Elaine were fortunate enough to spend many years traveling together. Places they regularly visited were Las Vegas, Hawaii, quite a few winters in Florida, and they went on many beautiful cruises together. They cherished their time together and the sea air allowed John to breathe freely while he was there.

The biggest part of John was his heart. He was a devoted husband and family man, a true friend, and a true gentleman. He was a knight in shining armor with his unwavering commitment and devotion to Elaine during the darkest final years of her life. He has 3 children, 2 step-children, many grand and great grandchildren, and more friends than a hand can count. He is and will always be loved by all and will truly be missed. Those of us who have been touched by John are truly blessed. He was a very special man!

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 25 years, Elaine Smith; parents, William & Ethel Smith; sibling, Geraldine, Glen, Nancy, and Gene.

He is survived by his loving daughters & son, Ronda (Keith), Ronald, Lora; step-children, Chris (Lori), Amy (Dan); grandchildren, Jaime Lynn (Jamie), Johnathan, Matthew, Tonya (Matt), Tim (Alyssa), Hally, Kayla (Gavin), Karly (Derek); great-grandchildren, Cody, Anna, Dallin, Riley, Arden, Henry, Adeline, Harlow; Siblings, Vianna Roettger & Melvin Smith; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service for John will be Friday, January 13 at 12:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, Hastings with a visitation from 10:00 - 12:00 PM. Interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Hastings.