Ronald Ray Smarr

Ronald Ray "Rodney" Smarr, age 73, of Vermilion, died Tuesday, December 23, 2003. He was born on January 1, 1930 in Bath, Ohio and was a Vermilion resident for 48 years, coming here in 1955. Mr. Smarr served in the US Army-Air Force which later became the US Air Force. He was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Corporation, Peoria, Illinois, as a diesel mechanic and then at General Motors as a welding inspector. He retired as a supervisor for the US Steel Corporation in Lorain in 1984 after 30 years. He had a lifetime involement in sports. As a youth, he received numerous awards in baseball and Golden Glove boxing. He was scouted as a prospective center fielder by the Detroit Tigers in the early 1950s but declined because he was married with children, deferring the position to Al Kaline. He seved as a former president of the Vermilion Recreation Board, was instrumental in bringing bantam football to Lorain County, couching minor and major league baseball and boys and girls softball. He initiated and oversaw the Vermilion umpire training program for high school students. An avid sprtsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing during all seasons. Mr. Smarr served for many years as a volunteer for the Lorain County Board of Elections as a presiding judge and also was a multiple gallon blood donor with the Lorain County Blood Bank. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was a life member of the Peoria, Illinois, Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Helen (nee Carter); son, Ronald Ray "Rocky" of Grafton; daughters, Judy Griggs of Fremont, Beverly Down of Lake George,NY, Barb Markman of Wakeman, Rhonda Futo of Wakeman and Debbie Miller of New Castle, CO; brohter, Glover Wesley Smarr, Jr. of Mishawaka, IN; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded-in-death by his parents, Glover and Margaret (nee Snodgrass) Smarr, brother, Raymond Paul and a sister, Joy Norton. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2003 at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion at 2:00 pm. The Reverend Jim Cooper, pastor of the Vermilion Harbourtown Church will officiate. THe family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Animal Protective League, 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.