Obituary

Service: Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel

Calling: Monday, May 20, 2013 from 3 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home ***************************************************************** Dean Rimmell Smith, 66, of Kendallville passed away after a brief illness at 4:20 a.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2013, in Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Wayne.

He was a lifetime area resident, and a 1965 graduate of Kendallville High School.

Dean enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam Veteran and the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Service Medal from the Republic of Vietnam. He served active duty from 1967 until his honorable discharge in 1969, as well as serving in the reserves in Fort Wayne from 1970-1972.

He worked in finance for over 30 years in various places, including North American Van Lines in Ft. Wayne and Ryder Moving Company also of Ft. Wayne. His pre-retirement job was at Wal-Mart in Kendallville as the Claims Manager for 12 years.

He was a former member of I.A.C.M. (Indiana Association of Credit Managers) of Indianapolis, and a former member of the American Legion of Fort Wayne.

He was an avid reader, loved to travel and vacation with his wife, and loved his grandchildren and his dogs. He was very outgoing and a very funny guy that was loved by all.

He was born on February 1, 194,7 in Kendallville to Marion E. and Mary E. (Rimmell) Smith. On December 6, 1969, he was married in Trinity Church United Methodist of Kendallville to Tina Louise Swanner, who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter Teresa L. Smith of Kendallville; a son, Brian A. Smith of Grant, Michigan; a special daughter, Cheryl A. (Doug W.) Cook of Kendallville; a special son, Kevin J. Hodge of Kendallville; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jack B. (Eleanor) Smith of Kendallville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Sean M. Smith who passed away in 1996.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville, with the Reverend Dr. Scott Pattison of Trinity Church United Methodist in Kendallville officiating. Burial will be in Orange Township Cemetery in Rome City.

Honor guard services will be conducted by Kendallville VFW Post 2749, Rome City American Legion Post 381, and active duty members of the U.S. Army.

Calling is Monday, May 20, 2013, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the East Noble Show Choir, in care of East Noble High School, 901 South Garden Street, Kendallville, Indiana, 46755.

View a video tribute after Monday or send condolences to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com