John Paul Smith

John Paul Smith, formerly of Spring Mills, passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Centre Care in Bellefonte.  He was 73.  Born in 1948 in Williamsport, John was a son of the late Homer A. and Sara J. “Sowash” Smith.  He was a graduate of West Branch High School and attended Penn State University for a short time before enlisting in the U.S. Army for three years.  In 1972 John married Yvonne Shirey Smith who survives at their home. John’s passing breaks a 48 year union.

John was employed by Brown Construction Company, farmed in Penns Valley for 26 years and was employed by Rural Community Insurance Services as a crop insurance adjuster for 15 years before retiring in 2013.  He enjoyed hunting, traveling and reading.  He was a member of and held offices in Salem Lutheran Church in Aaronsburg and Grace United Methodist Church in Centre Hall as well as being active in the community.  John was a member of the Ag Extension Board and, president of Penns Valley Health and Welfare Association during renovations/expansion from 1996-1999 and board member from 1976-1999.

John is survived by children, Jennifer D. Smith (Christopher) of Seattle, WA; Douglas R. Smith (Karen) of Menomonee Falls, WI; William C. Smith, II (Heather) of Spring Mills, PA and, Angela M. Buckley (Mark) of Tavares, FL; grandchildren, Andrea and Hayden Smith and son in law Patrick Smith of Centre Hall.  Also surviving are siblings Jane Gaumer of Portland, IN; Joanne Dixon of Greensburg, PA; Elizabeth Griffith of Davidsville, PA; Nettie Emigh of Carlton, PA; Ginger Rich of Alexandria, MN; Robert S. Smith of Morrisdale, PA, and one sister in law, Rachel Smith of Morrisdale, PA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.   John was preceded in death by brother’s Homer A. Smith, Jr. and William C. Smith and one sister Patricia Scholer.

In accordance with John’s wishes, all services are private.  Contributions in memory of John may be given to Grace United Methodist Church, PO Box 292, Centre Hall, PA 16828.  Those wishing to share memories or condolences may do so at www.stevenrnefffuneralhome.com.

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