Eric R. Smith

Eric R. Smith, 64, of Meadville, lost his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Meadville Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

He was born in Meadville, March 12, 1949 the son of Raymond W. Smith and Mary Mehalko Smith Barnes.  He married Diana Bauer Winters May 31, 1994.

He was a 1967 graduate of Meadville Area High School.  He served in the Army in Korea as a demolition specialist during the Viet Nam War.  He was a building contractor and master craftsman operating his own construction company for 40 years.  He was dedicated to his profession and his customers.

Eric is survived by his wife, Diana; first wife, Kathleen and their three children, Katrina L. Smith and her two daughters, Kylie and Melina, Erica Rae Smith, and Eric Raymond Smith; mother, Mary Barnes all of Meadville; brothers, Ken Smith (Lauren) of Medina, OH and George "Bud" Barnes II (Sue) of Saegertown; sisters, Denise Barnes Faber of Apollo Beach, FL and Martha "Jean" Barnes Huson (Tom) of Saegertown; uncles, George Mehalko (Jean), Vince Mehalko (Regina), John Mehalko (Lisa); aunt, Evelyn Mehalko Hoppenstand; brother-in-law, Tom Bauer; sisters-in-law, Karen Bauer Cogley (Don) and Kathy Bauer Spencer (Bill); mother-in-law, Irene L. Bauer and best friends Keith and Cindy Edwards.  He is also survived by nieces, Kimberly Smith Feckley, Carrie Kerr, Wynne Kahler Shields, Christine Huson Kaspick, Tammy Barnes Childers, Holly Barnes Jordan, Linda Barnes and Fawn Carpenter; nephews, James Kerr, Turk Kahler, Alan Barnes, Charles Kahler, Martial Kahler, James Kahler, Donnie Huson, Thomas Huson, Richard Barnes, Zac Cogley, Phil Cogley, Travis Bauer and many cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by brother, Byron Smith; stepfather, George Barnes; sister, Marcia Barnes Kaylor; nephews, Keith Smith and T.J. Bauer as well as his friend and his mother-in-law’s companion, Ralph "Blackie" Black.

He was a member of Pine Lodge #498 Linesville and Lodge #790 Cochranton.  He was also a member of the Valley of Erie Scottish Rite, Zem Zem Shrine Erie, Zem Zem Legion of Honor, Crawford County Shrine Club, Mercer County Shrine Club, Colonel Drake Shrine Club, Order of the Quetzalcoatl Eriez Presque Isle #200, Zem Zem Fez Flyers and Zem Zem Camel Herders Stable #44.  Additionally, Eric was a member of Elks Lodge #219 Meadville, the Iroquois Boating and Fishing Club, the Hunting and Fishing Club, Conneaut Lake Volunteer Fire Department Station #3 and Conneaut Lake Park Volunteer Fire Department Station #5.

Eric dearly loved his family and friends and valued spending time with them.  He enjoyed boating on Conneaut Lake and Kinzua Reservoir and traveling in the southwestern U.S.  He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penquins, and NASCAR.

Calling hours will be Saturday from 1-3 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville with Masonic and Legion of Honor Services at 6:45 p.m.

An additional calling hour will be Sunday from 1-2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville where the funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Brian K. Jensen, Pastor, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, c/o the Meadville Medical Center Foundation, 1015 Grove Street, Meadville, PA 16335 or the Shriners Hospital for Children Erie Unit, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net