Tech. Sgt. Justin M. Smith, Age 36, of Minerva, died Thursday, April 14, 2016 in the Akron City Hospital from injuries sustained in an accident. He was born Feb. 12, 1980 in Alliance. He is a US Air Force Veteran having served in multiple overseas deployments. He is currently a C-130 crew chief serving with the 910 AMXS at the Youngstown-Warren Reserve Station in Vienna, OH. He graduated from Minerva High School in 1998 and graduated from the University of Northwestern at Lima. He is a member of the Fox Ave. Church of Christ and a former employee of Unkefer Equipment in Minerva.

He is preceded in death by his stepmother, Pamela (Thompson) Smith who died in 2013. In addition to all of his Air Force Brothers, he is survived by his father, Ronald Smith of Minerva, 4 stepchildren, Kortney, Kennedy, Sophie and Emma, a sister and 2 brothers, Jordan (Kerry) Smith of Minerva, Jesse (Tiffany) Smith of Quaker City, Jason (Diane) Mitchell of Alliance, girlfriend, Kimberly Mitchell of Alliance, paternal grandmother, Norma Smith of Minerva, 9 nieces and nephews, Tyler, Carlee, Caleb, Paige, Cheyann, Abby, Maddie, Kennedy, Camryn, Lindsey and his estranged mother.

Funeral services with full military honors will be Tuesday at 11:00 am at the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva with Richard Mikes officiating. Calling hours will be Monday 5-8 pm.