John Tony "JT" Smith, Jr.

John Tony “JT” Smith Jr. of Monroeville, Indiana passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the age of 74 at his residence. He was born on September 7, 1950 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to John Tony Smith Sr. and Melba (Stephenson) Smith. Tony had three sons from his first marriage as well as a step-son and a step-daughter from his subsequent marriage to Linda Bauer, who preceded him in death on August 16th, 2023.

Known for his independent spirit, Tony lived authentically and without pretense, taking pride in his roots and speaking his truth. A man of practical ways, he enjoyed squirrel hunting with his father and teaching his children such skills as tool maintenance and fishing. Tony worked faithfully year after year at his job at Zollner Piston to provide for his family, supporting his children through their college years and beyond. He also served his community for some time as a member of the Monroeville Volunteer Fire Department.

Tony's love for family shone through his quiet acts of dedication. Nothing brought Tony more joy than sharing life's adventures with his loved ones, cherishing visits to his grandmother, Lillie Pearl Smith, and forming lasting bonds among many in his immediate and extended family and friends. Those whose lives he touched remember Tony as a quiet hero whose gentle eyes and kind smile matched his swift instinct to help others in need. He was also remembered for his kindness and concern for the spiritual growth of others, as shown in his thoughtful gift of a Bible to a friend in need of spiritual guidance.

He is survived by three sons, Rod Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Eric (Julie Suleski) Smith of Mercer Island, Washington, and Nathan Smith of Monroeville, Indiana; step-daughter, Traci Fernandez of Fort Wayne, Indiana; step-son, Tony (Samantha) Ochoa of New Haven, Indiana; step-mother, Freda Smith of Monroeville, Indiana; three sisters, Sheila Smith and Cathy (Rick) Smith both of Monroeville, Indiana and Gelana (Tom) Korte of Decatur, Indiana; brother, Tim (Rita) Smith of Monroeville, Indiana; two grandchildren, Marek Smith and Virginia Smith and a step-grandson, Arlo Ochoa.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-brother, Mike Bohrer.

A funeral service for Tony will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana. His services will be conducted by his family celebrant, and son, Rod Smith. Burial will follow at Monroeville Memorial Cemetery.

 Friends and family will be received from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home.

 Preferred memorials are to Monroeville Volunteer Fire Department.

 Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Jacobs Chapel of Monroeville, Indiana.

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