1937-2025
Walter L. Smola, 88, of Huntsville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Logan Acres Care Center, Bellefontaine.
He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on May 26, 1937, the son of the late Stanley O. and Olga J. (Wiedelman) Smola.
On May 26, 1986, he married the former Carol Ann Jennings Kauffman in Las Vegas, Nevada, and she survives in Huntsville, Ohio.
He is also survived by a daughter, Victoria Stowe, a granddaughter, Angela Stowe, and a grandson, Tristan Stowe, all of Sebring, Florida, and several stepchildren, too.
Walter began working for International Harvester in Fort Wayne and then relocated to Ohio when they built the new plant in Springfield. He worked in assembly for 42 ½ years until his retirement. He belonged to the U.A.W. Local #402 in Springfield. He enjoyed auto racing, starting out watching midgets and sprint car racing on dirt tracks around eastern Indiana and Western Ohio, including Eldora Speedway. Later in life, he enjoyed watching NASCAR.
Private burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne, Indiana, next to his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, 208 W Sandusky Ave, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Smola family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com
