Matthew F. Smith, 53

Matthew F. Smith, 53, formerly of Wapakoneta and Ottawa,

Ohio passed away Friday, November 5, 2021

at Calvert Medical Center in Prince Fredrick, MD.

He was born August 25th, 1968 in Lima, Ohio to Melvin ‘Bud’ Smith and Holly Smith Ericson. His mother preceded him in death. His Father and step-mother, Paulette, survive in Pandora.

Survivors also include a daughter, Farren Smith; two brothers: David Smith, and Eric Ericson; three sisters: Gretchen (Dan Wilson) Kiefer, Shelley

Smith, and Kathryn ‘Cricket’ (Gabe) Dobmeyer; and several

nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Craig Smith, and Todd Smith.

A 1986 graduate of Wapakoneta High School, Matt was a member of the Wapak tennis team and enjoyed golf. In 1987 he joined the United

States Air Force and entered into the Information Services Division at HQ Air Force Office of Special Investigations at Bolling Air Force Base in

Washington, DC. His Air Force education included Airman Leadership School and NCO Academy at Mcguire AFB, NJ.

His assignments with AFOSI included Ramstein AB, GE, National Air Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon VA, HQ USAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Bolling AFB, DC and HQ AFOSI, Andrews AFB, MD. He also served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm with assignments in Saudi’s Arabia and Afghanistan.

His Military Decorations include: National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kuwait

Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait and several others.

After 20 years of service, Matt retired as Master Sergeant, Superintendent, Information Services Division, Headquarters Air Force Office of

Special Investigations, at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.

After retirement Matt continued his career as a Federal Background Investigator with Keypoint Government Solutions. Known for his compassion for others, he

helped care for people with behavioral disabilities at Vesta Behavioral Health Care Organization in MD.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30

a.m., on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Pandora United Methodist Church with Pastor Ruth Cartercrist officiating.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m., until the

start of the service at the church. Burial will

be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www. lovefuneralhome.com