John Clark Smith

John Clark “Duke” Smith, 78, of West Liberty, passed away Sunday morning, August 24, 2025, at Otterbein Green Hills Assisted Living.

Duke was born in Bellefontaine on June 20, 1947, to the late John C. and Gertrude (Clark) Smith. He was also preceded in death by his wife Cecilia Podoske Smith, and sister-in-law Jan Brown.

Duke is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Patrick Thomas of Orange, California; a sister-in-law Teresa (Don) Keller of Galloway, Ohio; and nieces and nephews: John (Sarah) Keller, Jessica (Brad) Heitkamp, Sarah (Taylor) Barnes, Justin (Jenny) Brown, and Alex Brown.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Duke served during Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart. He was a member of the West Liberty Lions Club and was recognized in 2020 as the “Melvin Jones Fellow” for dedicated humanitarian service, he was also selected to be the Grand Marshal of the 2016 Memorial Day parade. He worked for the City of Columbus Water Division for many years. Duke loved baseball, a perfect day for him would be the Indians and Cardinals winning, and the Reds losing.

Duke’s family would like to thank his special friends in West Liberty and the staff at Otterbein Green Hills Assisted Living.

Pastor Ken Neighoff will officiate Duke’s celebration of life service on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 11am in Foundation Hall at Otterbein Green Hills SeniorLife Community. The family will receive friends in Foundation Hall one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Liberty, with military rites provided by members of the Logan County Veteran Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Liberty Lion’s Club, PO Box 688, West Liberty, OH 43357.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Smith family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com

EJT