Lyle Jacob Smith

Lyle Jacob Smith, 86, passed away at his Fremont home Tuesday, Jan 9, 2018.  Born on Oct. 5, 1931 in Helena, he was a son of Earl R. and Ethel Mae (Lerch) Smith.

Lyle graduated from Gibsonburg High School in 1949.  He then served the Country in the US Navy and later in the US Coast Guard, enlisting in 1949 and discharged in 1954.  Lyle went back to the University of Wisconsin-Superior, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  He later attained his Master’s Degree from the University of Toledo.

Lyle worked as a former Director of the Galion YMCA and teacher at the Fremont Jr. High School.  He retired as a counselor and placement coordinator from Terra Technical College.  He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fremont.  Lyle will be most remembered for being Head of High School Wrestling Officials for the State of Ohio and for refereeing matches throughout the state.

On June 8, 1991, he married Connie Fox at Grace Lutheran Church.  Connie survives.

Also surviving are children, Ray (Amy) Sibra, Sheri (Gene) Magrum, Lora (Perry) Harbison, Julia Smith Wolf, Marc (Bonnie) Streeter, Holly (Dale) Tea, Robin (Steve) Falter and Kendra (John) Van Doren; grandchildren, William & Tracy Sibra, Michael (Krystal) Rando, Cody (BrookeAnne) Magrum, Jillayna & Nancy-Paige Harrison, Kelsee Waggoner, Amanda (Brandon) Coleman, Derek Wolf, , Nathan, Nick & Logan Tea, Maddison, Steve & Morgan Falter, and Ashley & Sammy Van Doren; 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Kenny Smith, Diane (Carl) Schuh and Sandy (Bob) Reed.

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Nancy (Fitzgerald) Smith; great-grandson, Lake Marsh; and siblings Don, Earl, Larry, Gary & Keith Smith, Polly Conklin and Marjorie Roepke.

Visitation will be at the Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Cremations Services, Fremont on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, 2-8 p.m.  Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, Fremont where visitation will begin at 9 a.m.  Rev. Jody Rice will officiate.  Burial with Military Rites will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church or Stein Hospice of Sandusky.