Gaven Andrew Smith

Gaven A. Smith, who dedicated his life to serving others, and was well known across Northwest Ohio for his philanthropic contributions to numerous individuals and organizations, has died. He was 39. Smith, of Perrysburg, was born in Lubbock, Texas, and went on to graduate from Milford High School in New Hampshire. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his nearly four years of active-duty service, he deployed overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Reflecting on his military service, he once remarked, “… Every day I remember… to the families that lost a loved one I remember. I’ve met and served next to some of the greatest individuals I have ever met. I’m not perfect, and far from it, God’s grace gives us that, and the American solider protects it.’” After earning his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and his Master of Business Administration from Xavier University, Smith became an investment executive with Fifth Third Bank in Findlay. Known for his big heart, infectious smile, red hair and twice a month military high and tight haircuts, he volunteered with many organizations including Flag City Honor Flight, the Northwest Ohio Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Committee, Perrysburg Post No. 28 American Legion Department of Ohio, a men’s group known as F3 representing Fitness, Fellowship and Faith, and the Children’s Mentoring Connection just to name a few. Smith was preceded in death by his grandfathers Robert Smith and George Bock, both men whom he adored. He is survived by his wife Erin and their two children Griffin and Caroline, his parents David and Melinda Smith, siblings Casey and Ashley, as well as nephews Liam and Abram, and his grandmothers Dee Bock and Cindy Cribbs. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home located at 222 East South Boundary Street in Perrysburg. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, followed by burial with military honors at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery located at 910 West Wayne Street in Maumee. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Task Force 20 (https://www.tf20.org), Flag City Honor Flight (https://flagcityhonorlfight.org) or the Hancock County Community Foundation (https://www.community-foundation.com). Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.