Lester Howard Smith, known as Howard, formerly of Warsaw, passed away on July 2, 2024, at Medical City Denton in Denton, Texas, at the age of 83.
He was born on June 15, 1941, in Ford County, Ill., to Alvin Fidella Morgan and Lester Lewis Smith. Howard’s family moved to Warsaw in 1946, where he spent the majority of his life and was a 1959 graduate of Warsaw High School. Howard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Aug. 17, 1960, and proudly served until his honorable discharge on Aug. 14, 1964.
Throughout his life he was always a reliable hardworking man and retired from Brock as the plant manager in Milford. Howard also worked at Biomet in Warsaw as a machinist until his retirement. In June of 2021, he had moved to Lantana, Texas. He was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Warsaw where he enjoyed worshipping alongside his church family. Lester will forever be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.
He leaves behind two sons, Christopher (Dawn M.) Smith, Lantana, Texas; Tyson L. Smith, Carrollton, Texas; three grandchildren: Colton B. Smith, Gwendolyn E. Smith and Adelynne Smith; and his sister, Thelma Clark, Leesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Glenn Smith; and sister, Dorothy Bell.
Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. Howard's life will be celebrated with a service at noon on Saturday, July 13 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. He will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw with military rites conducted by members of the American Legion Post #49, V.F.W. #1126, both of Warsaw, and active-duty members of the Air Force Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.