Walter K. Smith, 69, of Willard, died April 2 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born Feb. 25, 1921, in Henry County and lived in Willard since 1949. He retired in 1981 as a sheet metal foreman for the Chessie Railroad System after 42 years of service employment. He is also a retired farmer, a lawnmower and motor repair shop owner; a retired Electrolux salesman, owner of Smitty's excavating and was an avid fisherman. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Sheet Metal Workers International Association, the American Legion, VFW and Elks Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Evelyn Burkhart Smith; four sons, David and William Smith both of Willard, Gary Smith of Columbus, Robert Smith of Vacaville CA; five daughters, Shirley Boyer, Donna Smith, Carolyn Smith all of Vacaville, CA, Mary Vetter of Willard, and Patti Morris of Shelby; 23 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five brothers; Edgar Smith, Tom Smith, Jr., Robert Smith, Ronald "Bill" Smith all of Deshler and Donald Smith of Wauseon; three sisters, Irene Ziegler, Bernadine Stanfield and Lena Schwab all of Deshler. Funeral services were held on April 4 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church of Willard. Burial was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.