Russell E. “Russ” Smith, 74, of Elida passed away at 8:12 AM on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

He was born on June 18, 1946 in Toledo, Ohio. He was raised by his adopted parents Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Smith, who both preceded him in death. On February 14, 1988, he married Linda (Cummings) Smith in the chapel at Shawnee United Methodist Church and she survives in Elida.

Russ graduated from Oak Harbor High School and then attended Bowling Green State University, where he graduated with a bachelor degree in journalism. He worked for the Lima News as an area news reporter covering different news beats and area assignments and received numerous awards. He then worked as the Area Director for 11 counties in Northwest Ohio for the US Chamber Commerce out of Washington, D.C. and received numerous awards including the President’s Award. Then he worked for the National Write Your Congressman Organization out of Dallas, Texas as a membership representative for 9 counties in Northwest Ohio, helping in the political process by giving members a voice in the political process in Washington, D.C. He then went to work for Menards as a customer service representative and a stockman. He proudly served his country as a member of the US Army.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He enjoyed all sports, traveling, gardening, reading and all kinds of intellectual topics.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL, 1170 Shawnee Road, Lima, Ohio. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.

Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 1275 and active duty Army immediately following the Celebration of Life service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.