John Smith Obituary

John D. Smith

John D. Smith, 59, of Tiffin, joined his Heavenly Father at 6:20 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, holding his wife's hand at Autumnwood Care Center.

John was born Feb. 23, 1964, in Tiffin, to Bernard and Caroline (Smith) Smith. He married his soul mate, Lauren Austin, on April 12, 1997, and she survives in Tiffin.

John's other survivors include three daughters, Amber (Jeremy) Weininger, Stephanie (Tyler Hasselbach) Smith, and Taylor (Christopher) Bickel; four grandchildren, Briella, Brecken, Tristan, and Avery; siblings, Joseph (Jean) Smith, Lori (Chris) Earnhart, Steve (Linda) Smith, Jill (Robert) Hanes, and Michelle (Rick) Bell; brother-in-law, J. Jonathan (Cynthia) Austin; 15 nieces and nephews; and 24 great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Michael Smith.

John was a 1982 graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School, earned an associate degree from Terra Technical College, and enjoyed taking classes at Heidelberg University. During his working years, he was a design engineer. John was diagnosed with "terminal" brain cancer in 2003 and was given three months to live. John opted out early of standard treatments, but not before undergoing radiation therapy because he believed a vegan diet and lifestyle change would save his life. As usual, John was right. He remained cancer free for the remaining 21 years of his life.

John was exceptionally brilliant. His bright blue eyes lit up a room almost as much as his smile did. He was kind and compassionate. He was quick-witted and had a fabulous sense of humor. John wore many hats, literally and figuratively. He had a large collection of hats that he was very proud of. John was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed learning, traveling, the outdoors, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends. John had a major sweet tooth. He had an amazingly positive attitude about life even when it handed him many lemons. He was the maker of lemonade!

John's celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Wickham Great Hall at Heidelberg University. Dr. Rev. Paul Stark will officiate. Hats off to John. Please wear a hat to help us celebrate our favorite guy.

In honor of John, donations may be made to Heidelberg University, James Lee Austin Scholarship Fund, Humane Society of Seneca County, or F.A.C.T. Seneca County.

TRAUNERO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio, 44883, (419) 447-3113, has been entrusted with arrangements.

To send online condolences to the family or order out-of-town flowers, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.