Ira E. Smith, 79, of Linton, Indiana, passed away from this life at his residence in Linton, on May 15, 2025. He was born on May 14, 1946, in Huntington, West Virginia to William Smith and Elsie (Watts) Smith. On June 2, 1971, Ira married Polly Ann (Thompson) Smith.

Ira was a storyteller, he loved to tell stories of his childhood in West Virginia. He was a cowboy at heart but didn’t own a horse. He spent 39 years as an overhead crane operator at Lasalle Steel in Hammond, Indiana before retiring and making Linton his home.

Family who will cherish the memories of Ira include: two sons, Ira (Crystal) Smith and Justin (Courtney) Smith, both of Linton; three daughters, Sarah (John) Wilson of Linton, Paula (Kris) Smothers of Centerville, IA, and Malissa (Roy) Moorman, also of Linton; 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Stella (Eddie) McCann of Georgia; two brothers, Roy (Betty) Smith of Linton and Richard (Marie) Smith of Dugger and a sister-in-law, Connie Smith of Linton; many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Ira was preceded in death by his wife, Polly Smith; his parents, William and Elsie Smith; step-feather, Henry Watts; his brother, Gene Smith; sisters, Ann Thomas and Omma Lee; grandsons, Branden Benson, Jordan Smith and Dakota Smith.

Funeral services to honor Ira’s life will be at 1:00 PM Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Anderson-Poindexter Chapel with Pastor Jeff Fulk officiating. Ira will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Linton.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 20 and from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Homes, Anderson-Poindexter Memory Chapel in Linton. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family online at www.andersonpoindexter.com.