Loving husband, father, grandfather and friend Stephen “Steve” Brady Smith went to his heavenly home on Sunday August 28, 2022, at home with his family at his bedside. Steve was born June 23, 1940 in Bicknell to Raymond Lester and Dorothy Brady Smith. At 7 years of age he lost his mother and family friend, Kate Ridgway, along with many other Bicknell ladies, took on the task of keeping him in line.
Steve graduated from Bicknell High School in 1958 and went on to serve in the United States Army. He was a Military Police Officer and was assigned the duty of training guard dogs. He was an expert marksman and in 1961 was a national champion sharpshooter. He was a proud veteran and loved his country.
He was the principal broker for Wabash Valley Real Estate, owned Wabash Valley Appraisal Services, and with his father, owned and operated Ray Smith and Son, Inc. for 65 years. He served as a trustee for the Bicknell United Methodist Church where he was a lifelong member. He was a member of the Real Estate Appraisal Board for the state of Indiana as well as the Masonic and Elk Lodges in Bicknell.
He loved anything outdoors and enjoyed playing and coaching golf, gardening, and fishing. Memories of fishing trips to Bennett Springs and Lake Pomme de Terre are cherished. Later in life he developed a great love of birds and spent many hours at Goose Pond photographing wildlife. He took the job of tracking and monitoring Whooping Cranes while they wintered in southwest Indiana after he became involved with Operation Migration and the International Crane Foundation.
Steve loved his country, his community, his family, and the Green Bay Packers of which he was a proud owner. He leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Iris Ann Hosea who he married January 12,1963; and left to benefit from the many life lessons taught are 3 daughters, Shelley Richardson (Mitch Fickling), Mindy Dillon (Jim), Kerry Carrie (Dustin); grandchildren, Jaime Parkes Richter (Jacob), Stevie Parkes, Sarah Richardson, Lauren DeHosse (Chance), Macy Wheat (Kole), Hannah Dillon, Jacob Dillon, Brady Carrie (Mckenzi), Meg Parsons (Bodhi); great-grandchildren, Owen & Ford DeHosse, David Carrie, and Jamie Parsons. He is also survived by his favorite child and faithful companion, Bodie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Raymond Lester and Dorothy Brady Smith and his ‘bonus’ parents, Robert and Kate Ridgway.
Per Steve’s request, there will be a graveside service on Thursday September 1, 2022 at 2 pm at Asbury Chapel Cemetery with Rev Joe Kamman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Steve’s family would appreciate donations of money or goods to Hope Lodge St. Louis, Mo. Envelopes will be available at the service or goods can be purchased and sent through Amazon Smile. Hope Lodge provides services and lodging to cancer patients and families free of charge when a patient needs to travel away from home for life-saving treatment. So if you are able, please send Hope Lodge St. Louis some supplies in Steve’s memory.
Fredrick and Son McCLure-Utt Funeral Homes, Bicknell Chapel is honored to be entrusted with Steve’s arrangements. The family welcomes on line condolences at www.fredrickandson.com
