Obituary of Wallace H Smith

CONNEAUT- Wallace H. Smith, 92, of Hilldom Road, Monroe Township, passed away Monday, August 26, 2013, at UHHS-Conneaut Medical Center. His death was unexpected and he will be missed. Wally was born in Conneaut on June 20, 1921 to James W. and Minta (Lewis) Smith, and resided in the Conneaut/Monroe area his entire life. He was a 1939 graduate of Conneaut High School and a member of the 1939 undefeated CHS Football Team. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II. He was employed by the Nickel Plate Railroad as a carman, and then was promoted to Heavy Shop Foreman and then General Car Foreman. When Norfolk-Southern purchased the NKP, he was offered and turned down another promotion which would have moved his family to Roanoke, and declined the offer and went back to being a carknocker. He was also the Union's representative. He retired after 47 years of service. Wally was an excellent horseman; he raised, trained and showed Morgan horses with his sons, and then his granddaughter. He also was an experienced, talented builder, and took great pride in the five homes that he built in Conneaut and Monroe. While living on Hilldom Road in the 1970's and 80', he and his wife Lila operated the Big Valley Campground. Many friends and memories were made during that time. Survivors include his two sons, Thomas J. (Janet) Smith of Conneaut and Timothy R. (Janet) Smith of Maywood, MO; five grandchildren, Amy (John) Lower, of Monroe Township, Sara Gleason of Conneaut, Ryan T. (Mindy) Smith of Greenwich, CT, Craig (Megan) Smith of Lorain, OH, and Kristen (Brian) Thiessen of Davenport, IA. Also surviving are 10 great-grandchildren, Hannah, J.J. and Nathan Lower, Max and Hope Gleason, Lily Smith, Ian and Reid Smith, and Katie and Will Thiessen, his sister Betty Tomczak of Carrboro, NC, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lila (Manniko) Smith; and his brother James Smith. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2013 from 6 to 8 pm at the THOMPSON-SMITH-NESBITT FUNERAL HOME, 345 Main Street, Conneaut. A graveside service with military rites performed by the American Legion Cowel Post #151,will be held at 11 am Friday at Kelloggsville Cemetery, Monroe Township. Pastor Joyce Shellhammer of the First Congregational UCC will officiate. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Conneaut Lions Club or The First Congregational UCC Elevator Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff of the Villa at the Lake for the compassion that they have shown to not only Wally, but the entire family.