John E. Smink,94, passed away peacefully Sunday, morning, January 19, 2020. He was born November 11 , 1925 in Shamokin, Pennsylvania and moved to Elyria at 15 years of age. In 1944 he joined the Marines, 5th Division, 28th Regimen, Company G3, 278th Platoon. He fought fierce battles in Iwo Jima and was on Mt. Suribachi when the flag was raised. He was a purple heart recipient and one of only 8 soldiers out of the 250 in his company that survived. He was a member of the VFW, Amvets and American legion. After the service he married Esther (Attie) in 1947 and they opened Smink's Restaurant in downtown Elyria. He later started John's Antenna Service and was known for his kindness and generosity to the elderly, often not charging for his services. He also installed antennas for Little Joe's in Elyria. John worked for General Industries for 28 years and retired in 1988. He resided in Carlisle Township over 40 years and was a volunteer fireman in his younger years. He also volunteered for the American Red Cross. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Esther, and a grandson, Jared Gunter. Also by his parents Benjamin D. and Edith M. (Greagor); brothers Charles, B. William, Richard and Harold and sister, Madelyn Hodge. He is survived by sons John Roger (Joyce) and Gregory (Donna) and daughters Sandra (George) Prochaska, Susan (Lloyd) Gordon, Deborah (Jerry) Donin, and Laura (Kelly) Williams. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. A private memorial service with military honors will be conducted at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elyria, 440-322-4626. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com

Memorial Contribution