Thomas Drew Smith

Thomas “Drew” Smith passed away peacefully at his home on November 27, 2021, in Lafayette, IN. He was 100 years old. Drew was born October 23, 1921, in Early Branch, South Carolina. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII from 1940 – 1946. After concluding his service, Drew completed his education by earning his associates degree. He was very proud of this accomplishment. He married Thelma Rose Bailey on August 12, 1945, who preceded him in death in 1971. He later married Opal Bailey in 1974, who preceded him in death in 2018. Drew worked as an HVAC Specialist for Sage & Co. for 32 years and then for A-Z Sheet Metal for 15 years prior to his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion Post 11, the Sheet Metal Union Local #20, and also was a faithful member of the Grace United Methodist Church.

Drew had many passions. He enjoyed the outdoors. He loved fishing with his brothers and spent time camping with his family. Drew was an expert handyman. He liked woodworking and remodeling homes and could figure out how to fix just about anything. Some of his favorite pastimes were playing cards, shuffleboard, and dominoes. He was a man of great faith and spent much of his time studying and reading the Bible. Most of all, Drew enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

Drew is survived by his children, Cynthia Jean (Thomas) Clifford and Cathy Jo Smith; stepchildren, Craig (Cindy) Bailey and Kevin Bailey; grandchildren, Amy (Nathan) Hill, Jill (David) Heinzen, and Melissa Clifford (Cory Hack); great grandchildren, Thomas, Bradley, and Megan Lister; Matthew, Sarah, and Adam Heinzen; and Emma and Katie Hack. He was preceded in death by his three brothers and three sisters.

The family wants to express thanks to Angels Senior Home Solutions and Elara Caring Hospice Services for their support and care to Drew and his family. Tippecanoe Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with the arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens Funeral Chapel with service at 12:45 pm. Burial with full military honors to follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Drew’s memory to the Grace United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be left to the family at www.tippecanoememorygardens.com.

For the Zoom meeting:
The service is available virtually at zoom.us, click the “join meeting” tab then enter the meeting number 765-490-4234 and the password:  tmg2020.