Gaylord "Lee" Smith

Gaylord “Lee” Smith

   Ottawa -  Gaylord “Lee” Smith, 77 of Ottawa, formerly of Columbus Grove died at 5:22 p.m. on Monday, January 11, 2021 at Putnam Heritage.  He was born January 26, 1943 in Lima to the late Frank and Donelda (Schumacher) Smith. On August 29, 1998 he married Myrnalee P. Buck who preceded him in death on March 30, 2016.

   Survivors include 4 children: Janelle (Jeff) Blankemeyer of Bellefontaine, Glenn (Lori) Smith, Kevin Smith, and Daniel (Stephanie) Smith, all of Columbus Grove; 2 brothers: Paul Brower of Ocala, FL and Merle (Donna) Smith of Columbus Grove; 11 grandchildren: Adam Blankemeyer, Ryan (Katie) Blankemeyer, Austin Blankemeyer, Megan Blankemeyer (Fiancé, Cole McDaniel), Mason Smith, Marissa Smith (Fiancé, Alex Krouskop), Kennedy Smith, Jon Connor Smith, Joshua “Buckey” Smith, Austin Carder, and Kirby Carder.

   Lee retired in 1998 from the former Philips, Ottawa and worked for Hearthside Food Solutions, McComb.  He was an U.S. Navy Veteran serving during Vietnam.  He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Columbus Grove, Philips Quarter Century Club, Columbus Grove Fire Department, and the Columbus Grove American Legion, Eagles, and V.F.W.  He loved going to all the Columbus Grove sporting events.

   Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Columbus Grove with Father David Ritchie officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Columbus Grove with military rites by Columbus Grove American Legion.  Visitation will be Friday 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.  Masks will be required at the funeral home.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam Pet Pals or a charity of the donor’s choice.

   Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfhatgrove.com.

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