Gene Raymond Smith of Blanchester, Ohio, passed away on April 6, 2025, at the age of 74.

Born July 12, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, son of Ray D. and Ruth L. (nee Covert) Smith. Gene proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War.

He was the beloved husband of Wanda Lee (nee Saylor) Smith; proud father of Eric (Amanda) Smith and Chad (Whitney) Smith; stepfather of Tami Bunn and Sean (Shannon) Wichterman; loving grandfather of Alex Smith, Cory Wichterman, Carli (Louis) Gamboa, Carter Wichterman, Shayla (Damon) Hurst, and Tyler Williams; great-grandfather of Killian Hurst, Dillon Hurst, Devon Hurst, and Jamison Riley; dear brother of Doug (Susan) Smith, Louise (Bill) Simendinger, and Sharon (Charles) Savo; cherished uncle to numerous nieces and nephews; and a dear friend to many.

Along with his parents, Gene was preceded in death by two stepchildren, Jerry Wichterman and Kathy Cooper.

The funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Friday, April 11, 2025, with military honors to follow at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 120 W Main St., Blanchester, Ohio, where friends will be received from 1 PM until the time of service. Pastor Bill Hounshell officiating.