Boonville, IN – H. John Smith, a renowned local artist, 83, of Boonville, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana. He was born on June 26, 1939 in Cooperstown, New York to the late Harold and Ruth (Foster) Smith.
H. John was a renowned and awarded artist, including awards for best in show. He has had his works displayed in the Evansville Arts Museum, Ellis Park, Solarbron, Riverwind Gallery, Hoosier Salon of Indianapolis, the Audubon State Park Museum and the Ohio Valley Art League just to name a few. He also has had his work published in the American Society of Marine Artists, which has been on a National Tour.
H. John took pride in his academic background, having earned an Associate’s degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, New York, a Bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts at University of Evansville and had also attended Ithaca College. He had worked as the Graphics Director at Evansville Press and for many years worked with Grant Gerling at Gerling Insurance and Gerling Assured Financial Resources. Other life ventures include acting at the Civic Theater and even being a pilot. H. John proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine (Binhack) Smith; his children, Katherine Kehder (Matthias) and Trent Smith (Mayra); his step-children, Jen Rausch (Aaron) and Amber Ellis (Jon); his grandchildren, Charlotte, Caroline and Conrad Kehder; step-grandchildren, Abram Rausch, Everett Rausch and Luna Ellis; his nephews, John Miller (Tasha) and Michael Fazio as well as his niece, Ruth Fazio.
Preceding him in death are his parents as well as his sisters, Barbara Miller and Becky Fazio.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Crossroads Christian Church with a service to follow at 4:00 P.M.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Grant Gerling says
One of the best friends a guy could’ve ever had. John was true, brilliant and loyal to the very end. He will be missed.
My condolences to the family. Peace.
Edwina McConnell says
Elaine & family,
So very sorry for your loss. Heartfelt sympathy & prayers.
Frances Parris says
Enjoyed conversations with John! He would always have something interesting to say. He was so talented! I loved to see some of the miniature doodles he was working on. I think if he he sat for very long he was doodling something that was on his mind! Much love to Elaine, his children, step children and grandbabies!
Sue Muncy says
Elaine,
I am sorry to read of your loss.
My prayer is for peace and solace
for you and yours. Take care.
Sue (Hyatt) Muncy
Sally Turner says
Having worked with John at The Evansville Press, and trod the boards with him at The Evansville Civic Theatre, I can attest to his talent, great humor and joie de vivre!
I think of him often, most fondly.
May John forever rest in peace!
♥️💐♥️