Richard W. Smith

Richard Wayne Smith, 78 of Danville, Indiana, passed away in his home on March 20, 2021.  The following is a life story from his loving family.

Richard was born April 10, 1942 in Cartersburg, Indiana.  He was a life-long resident of Hendricks County.  His parents were Herman and Norene (Well) Smith.  He leaves behind his wife, Myrna (Tinder) Smith; his daughter, Penny Jack; his four grandchildren, Jennifer (husband Jose) Mercado, Joshua (wife Alma) Lovins, Jesse Smith, and Michael Lovins; his three great-grandchildren, Jordan, Braden, and Brya; and his many nieces and nephews.  He also leaves behind his lifelong friend, his sister, Doris (Smith) Kame.

He graduated in 1960 from Danville High School and then from Indiana Business College in Accounting.  He retired from Stilesville Implement Auction and Richard Bennett Furniture.  He also served in the United States Air Force.

Besides the love for his family he had two great loves, fishing (especially with his grandkids) and making toys.  His love of making toys started with a boy named Jimmy who was born in 1985 and Jimmy's brother, Frank, who came along in 1989.  Thus "Uncle Dick's Toy Shop" was born.  He spent many hours and days making toys to sell at craft shows, the covered bridge festival, and many other places.  His toys are now throughout the United States and even other countries throughout the world.  The children's faces and smiles kept him busy in his workshop.

Richard was loved and will be missed by a lot of people, both big and small, especially by his family.

Friends and family will gather on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at The Journey Church in Avon, Indiana from 1 pm until the time of the service at 3 pm.  The Journey Church address is 5250 East U.S. Highway 36, Suite 430, Avon, Indiana 46123.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Richard's family to cover expenses or to The Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Arrangements are entrusted to Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, Indiana.  All are encouraged to share thoughts, prayers, and memories with Richard's family on his memorial page found on the funeral home's website, www.ericmdbellfuneralhome.com .