Lyle E. Smith, Sr., 82, of Defiance, Ohio passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Parkview Bryan Hospital. Lyle was born November 16, 1941, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, son of the late Floyd and Helen (Weaver) Smith. He was a 1959 graduate of Marion Center High School. Lyle served in the United States Army from June 9, 1959, until his honorable discharge on May 21, 1962. Lyle married Joyce J. Riethmiller on April 17, 1965, in Smicksburg, Pennsylvania and she preceded him in death on April 11, 2024. He worked in the Foundry at General Motors for 40 years and was a small acreage farmer. He was an active member of Sherwood Methodist Church. Lyle was also a member of Black Swamp & Maumee Gas and Tractor Club and J.I. Case Collectors Association. He had a passion for restoring and collecting J.I. Case Tractors.

Surviving is his daughter-in-law, Delicia Smith of Ney, Ohio; six grandchildren, Loren Smith, Jr., Alistair Smith, Quinton Smith, Rhys Smith, Corinna Hancock, and Christina King; two great-grandchildren, Lexi Smith and Arie Smith; two siblings, Ronald (Jane) Smith and Darla Smith; many nieces and nephews. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce Smith; two sons, Lyle E. Smith, Jr., and Loren R. Smith, Sr.

Visitation for Lyle will be held Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Sherwood Methodist Church, 512 N. Harrison Street, Sherwood. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 noon at the church with Pastor Boyd Shugert Officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Cemetery with military rites accorded by combined honor guard Sherwood VFW Post 5665, Farmer American Legion Post 137, Hicksville American Legion Post 223. Arrangements are in care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 230 E. Elm Street, Sherwood.

Memorial contributions can be directed to Sherwood Methodist Church or a Charity of the Donor's Choice.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.oberlinturnbull.com