Paul B. Smith

Paul B. Smith, age 95, of Holland, Ohio died peacefully on September 21, 2023, at Elizabeth Scott Community. Paul was born January 25, 1928, in Canton, Ohio to the late Roland and Geneva (Babcock) Smith. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and later his master’s in education from Kent State University. He also served in both the United States Army and Navy.

Paul loved children and being an educator. He taught 6th grade in Massillon, Ohio for several years before relocating to Northwest Ohio. He taught at Fallen Timbers Junior High School and then served as Principal of Crissey Elementary School. Skilled with his hands, Paul spent his summers “off” building homes for himself, family, and friends.

After retirement at age 55, he spent much of his time in volunteer service as an expression of his devout faith in Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Darlene, went on numerous mission trips to Central America. They served their faith communities; Christian Retreat (Florida), Light and Life (Florida) and the former Roberts Chapel Free Methodist Church (Ohio), at every opportunity. He was currently a member of Holland Free Methodist Church. Paul will be remembered for his devotion to family, skill as a teacher, and for his selfless, giving, and kind nature.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of more than 72 years, Darlene Marie (Erb) Smith; children, Mark (Leslie) Smith, Randy Smith, Karen (John) Nahorny, and Carolyn (Royce) Underwood; ten grandchildren; thirty-seven great grandchildren; and sister, Alice Ralph. Paul was also preceded in death by great grandsons, Timothy Scott Price and Judah Michael Buckenmeyer, and siblings, Roland Smith and Anna Margaret Smith.

Paul will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Springfield Township Cemetery in Holland. A public memorial service to honor his life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Holland Free Methodist Church, 6605 Angola Road, Holland, Ohio 43528.

Contributions in Paul’s memory are suggested to be sent to Mark Smith (3210 Sharon Valley Road NE, Newark, OH 43055) to support Paul’s three grandchildren and their spouses who are serving the Lord in full time ministry.

The Walker Funeral Home of Holland is assisting the family with professional services.