Curtis Lemarr Smith, 76, passed away Friday, July 21, 2023, at Life’s Journey Hospice in Avon.
Curtis was born Oct. 28, 1946, which was the second wedding anniversary of his parents, Chester Lee and Alta (Simonson) Smith. Curt was brought home down a long lane to a big farm house in Fountain County and it was there he discovered farm life.
Situated across State Road 41 was the Rob Roy Elementary School, which he attended until the 1953 tornado destroyed the school and the general store. He then attended Shawnee Elementary until the family moved to a Millcreek Township Farm in 1956. Curtis attended Kingman School and graduated in 1964. He spent one year at Purdue until farming called him home. Curtis was a member of the Indiana National Guard.
On Dec. 10, 1967, he married Marsha Hancock in Veedersburg, and she survives.
After a long career in farming, Curtis worked for C&D Battery in Attica and Eli Lilly in Clinton.
Curtis is survived by his wife Marsha; sons Patrick (Amy) of Veedersburg and Chad (Lara) of Pittsboro; sister Doyne (Richard) Carson of Battle Ground; grandchildren, Dakota, Allie, Caleb, Collin, Emory, Chandler and Everly; and four great-grandchildren (in Texas).
He was preceded in death by parents Chester and Alta Smith; grandparents William and Margaret (Marr) Smith, Olivia (Anseth) and Edward Simonson; and in-laws Cap and Marge Hancock.
Curtis loved farming and Florida. His two loves combined for a life-time of adventure and stories. Curtis showed cattle all over the state and nation and helped many breeders. He loved 4-H especially the many years at the Fountain County 4-H Fair, where he met his wife, Marsha.
He was very proud of his two sons, Patrick and Chad, and their many adventures from mushroom hunting, running trap lines or going to basketball games and pig shows. Later in life his love of Florida and “staying where it is warm” had him spending more time traveling with Marsha and having fun in the towns Celebration and Haines City. He grew his love of Walt Disney World and collecting golf balls and hosting friends who would visit. Curtis loved life and made sure each day was lived to the fullest. He had a contagious smile that was always followed by a rolling laugh.
One of his fondest 4-H memories is when a calf that was raised on his farm went on to win grand champion and then be purchased by the comedian Red Skeleton at the Indiana State Fair. Red donated the calf back to Curt and he went on to show him at the Chicago International Livestock Exhibition. Curt loved farm life, working hard and laughing much. He lived every day to the fullest and loved people. He leaves his family a legacy of how to live your life, help others and ensure each day is a memory to be built. Each day is a gift, work hard, play hard and serve others.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 29 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, with funeral services following at 2 p.m. Pastor Justin Cook and family members will officiate. Burial will follow at Rockfield Cemetery. For family and friends paying respects, and in the nature of honoring Curt’s love of farming and Florida, folks are invited to wear their favorite farm hat and Florida/Hawaiian shirt.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Fountain County 4-H Fair, checks addressed to Fountain County 4-H Council, 301 Fourth St., Covington, IN 47932.
Visit www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a condolence.
