Wayne E. Smith

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wayne E. Smith, a devoted husband and cherished father who left this world on November 28, 2024 after a life dedicated to the love of his late wife, Shirley. 

His love for Shirley was a beacon of inspiration to all who knew them, and their bond will forever remain a testament to the power of true love and marriage. Born January 10, 1929 he spent his early years on his family farm in New Bedford. He proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army serving from 1951-1953. The age of fourteen was not too young for Wayne to find his passion of trucking. 

Known as "Hoe Handle" on the CB airwaves, Wayne started his own trucking business in 1970. Smith and Sons Trucking grew over the years having over ten trucks cruising the Ohio highways hauling corn, coal, lime and salt. He trusted Jesus and expressed this by having “Jesus Loves You” on the back of his semi-truck. The oldest person in the state of Ohio to have his CDL, Wayne hauled his last load of corn on April 10, 2024, marking eighty years of trucking!

 He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley (Limbacher). His parents Gust and Pearl (Scheetz) Smith. His brothers Verle (Christine), Harold (Ida Maye), Paul (passed as an infant at 6 months of age) and his sister Arlene (Dick) Clatterbuck. 

Wayne is survived by his sister Esther (Ray) Croft and his three sons Kirby (Debbie), Garry (Irene) and Randy. He was blessed to have seven grandchildren Heather, Zachary, Megan, Elizabeth, Nicholia, Randall and Adam. He also had nineteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

In keeping with his wishes a private graveside burial service will be held at Halifax Cemetery in Fresno. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia has been entrusted with his service arrangements. 

Donations in Wayne's memory can be made to Ohio’s Lifecare Hospice.