Howard "Jake" E. Smith

HOWARD “JAKE” EARL SMITH, age 89, of Washington Court House, passed away at 7:10 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at home with his loving family by his side. Born on October 10, 1935, in Washington C.H., he was the son of the late Elza E. and Zona A. Yahn Smith. On June 30, 1956, he married the former Jean L. Tennaro, who survives.

Jake was a 1953 graduate of Washington Senior High and had worked at NCR Manufacturing in Washington C. H., he also owned and operated Smith Septic Tank Cleaning in Washington C.H. and worked as a Mechanic at the Miami Trace Bus Garage until his retirement. Jake was an Honorary and forty-six-year member of the Good Hope Lions Club and was a member of the Fayette Tired Iron Tractor Club.

In addition to his loving wife of more than sixty-nine years, Jake is survived by his children, Lu Ann Bernard, Michael E. Smith, Kelly L. (Susan) Smith and Mark A. Smith; his grandchildren, Jill Auty, Brad Donnerstag (Rebecca), Amanda Smith, Sarah Smith (Tony Wood), Jennifer Castillon (Alex), Nick Smith (Chelsea) and twelve great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Summers Funeral Home with Mark Armstrong of the Staunton United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the White Oak Grove Cemetery in Buena Vista. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, the evening before the service, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A Lion’s Memorial service conducted by the Good Hope Lions Club will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jake’s caregivers and the team at Heartland Hospice for the excellent care provided to Jake and the kindness shown to the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Jake’s name be made to, The Good Hope Lions Club, P.O. Box 622, Washington C.H., Ohio 43160 or the Staunton United Methodist Church, Mrs. Kathy Smith, 2206 Staunton Sugar Grove Road, Washington C.H., Ohio 43160.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Summers Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.summersfuneralhome.com

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