Richard 'Dick' Smith

Richard "Dick" L. Smith After an exemplary life of 87 years marked by strong faith and commitment to family, Richard L. Smith entered life eternal on Friday, November 7. Born in Akron, Ohio on July 28, 1927, he was the only child of George and Mary Smith. He was adored by his wife, Evelyn, and deeply loved and respected by his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Dick served in the U.S. Army and was trained as a paratrooper. His business career spanned five decades and included the auto dealer, energy, and insurance industries. He was President and CEO of Dick Smith Cross Country American Motors and Eastgate Chrysler Plymouth. He capped an entrepreneurial career with great success as owner and President of National Coal Co. After "retirement" he continued to work, including tenures alongside his son in the medical field and as a doorkeeper in the Indiana State Senate during the time his daughter served as a state senator. He was an active member of Franklin Road Baptist Church where he served on the Board of Deacons. And he was past-Moderator of the Indiana Chapter of the American Baptist Convention. Dick is survived by his devoted wife Evelyn; son, Dr. Steven (Kathy); daughter, Teresa Smith Lubbers (Mark); grandson Luke Smith (Jenny); granddaughters Jennifer Smith (Hunter), Krista Lotter (Ben), Betsy Thompson (Mark) and Maggie Birk (Nick); and ten great-grandchildren. He lived a life marked by faith, hard-work, loyalty and optimism. Calling will be held at Flanner and Buchanan Washington Park, 10722 East Washington St. on Monday, November 10 from 4 to 8pm. A celebration of life will be held at the mortuary at 11am on Tuesday November 11. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Franklin Road Baptist Church.