"Smitty" Wilgus James Smith

Wilgus James "Smitty" Smith, 94, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Brickyard Healthcare-Terrace Care Center.

Smitty was born on August 1, 1930, in Decoy, KY, to Charles and Laura (Davis) Smith.

On June 4, 1955, in La Porte, IN, he married Zoe Ann Glanz who survives. Also surviving are his 3 children, Vicki (Mark) Schwinkendorf of La Porte, Mike (Bonnie) Smith of La Porte, and Chuck (Sandy) Smith of La Porte; grandchildren, Amanda (Jason) Howard, Marci (Chad) Huff, Mallorie (Brian) Knapp, Brock (Ashley) Smith, Breane Smith, Shelbi (Alex) Lant, Amber Smith, and Hailey (Dustin) Parker; great-grandchildren, Braelyn, Braxton, and Bryce Howard, Rylee and Maddox Knapp, Harper and baby Smith, Killian and Juliette Allen, Hudson and Harrison Huff, Levi, Lucas and Brayden Lant, Alayna Gakle, and Drake Cable; siblings, Jewel Hazelgrove, Frieda Passmore, Mary Ann James, Brenda Gibson, and Deborah Humphrey; special cousin and friend, Randy Smith; special sister-in-law, Aunt Lou; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, April Zeisig; great-granddaughter, Ivy Allen; and siblings, Phyllis Mow, Lois Wayne, Billy Ray Smith, and Gail Feleki.

Smitty proudly served in the United States Army, during the Korean War era. After his military service, he was the owner of Quality Drywall. Smitty was a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, and The Presbyterian Church of La Porte.

Smitty and Zoe enjoyed many winters in Florida. His family fondly remembers how much Smitty enjoyed raking the local beach and being displeased when area beach-goers would walk through his work, messing up the leveled, patterned sand he just created.

He and Zoe enjoyed 70 years of marriage. A wonderfully loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Smitty will be dearly missed.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service with Military Honors and burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at The Presbyterian Church of La Porte with Rev. Jane Anabe officiating.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Presbyterian Church of La Porte, 307 Kingsbury Ave., La Porte, IN 46350 or VNA Hospice Center of Valparaiso, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.