Steve A. Smith

Steve A. Smith November 15, 1944 – September 20, 2024

Steve Smith, 79, of Pendleton, Indiana, formerly of Union Mills/LaPorte, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, at his residence following an extended illness. His wife Linda was by his side.

He is also survived by his daughters Jessica (Clyde) Crass of LaPorte, Indiana, and Sarah (Martin) Ruppert of Basel, Switzerland; Grandchildren Carson Crass, Seth (Aliya) Crass, Benjamin Ruppert, Noah Ruppert, and Ellis Ruppert; Great Grandson Carter Crass. Sisters Ellen McClure of Fort Mill, South Carolina; Rebecca Redman of Dundalk, Maryland, and Marilee (David) Mahler of Minnetonka, Minnesota; Uncle Dr. Hugh/Bud (Shirley) Garvin of Thousand Oaks, California; brother-in-law Tim Roper, Union Mills, Indiana; sister-in-law Sarah Roper, Sherman Oaks, California; and cherished family and friends around the country that he kept in good touch with. He was met at the Rainbow Bridge by his beloved horses and pets that preceded him. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Betty Smith.

Steve was a 1962 graduate of the Culver Military Academy. He was a proud US Navy Vietnam War Veteran, 1965-1967. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bennington in the Gulf of Tonkin two tours where he was a combat aircrewman. He received the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with Device/Air Medal with one gold star. He was aboard the USS Bennington for the retrieval of the Apollo 4 (SA-501), on November 9, 1967, North Pacific Ocean. First uncrewed 8-hour flight.

Steve had a passion for aviation. Steve was a civilian pilot since 1974. He served on the LaPorte Airport Board of Directors from 1976 to 1996. He was a Charter Member of the LaPorte Aero Club since 1976. He received the Veteran Service Medal issued by VFW Post 1130, LaPorte, on June 24, 2016. On March 26, 2022, Steve's name was added to the Wall of Honor of the National Air and Space Museum in recognition of his contribution to our nation's aviation and space exploration heritage and as a permanent testament to his commitment and passion for flight. Since 2019 Steve and wife Linda have volunteered at the annual Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo, Lakeland, Florida.

Steve also believed in community service. He was a member of the LaPorte County Sheriff Reserve Officers and Posse from 1991 to 2005; the LaPorte Hospital Board of Directors from 1990 to 1996; and the LaPorte County Sheltered Workshop, Inc. 1985-1991.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 "G" Street, La Porte, Indiana.

Frank L. Keszei Essling Funeral Home, Essling Chapel at 1117 Indiana Avenue, LaPorte, IN 46350, is providing celebration of life services.

Online condolences may be shared at, www.essling funeral home.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers, Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children's Hospital or charity of choice.

Each day is a gift. Live each day to the fullest.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steve A. Smith, please visit our floral store.