Orion Smith

Orion E. Smith, Jr., age 92, of Germantown, OH passed away, Wednesday, May 19, 2021. He was born at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, OH on July 22, 1928 to the late Orion Smith, Sr. and Mary (Schaeffer) Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Catherine (Harold) Emrick, Virginia (Frank) Mattox, Nellie Harris, and Louise (Walter) Phelps, and three grandsons, Zachary Cox, Andrew Genslinger, and Daniel Weidle. Orion is survived by his wife, Gerry, the love of his life for 69 years, daughters Debbie (Mike) Rieger, Becky (Jim) Wafzig, Beth Genslinger; grandchildren Michael (Andie) Wafzig, Brian (Jessica) Wafzig, Abby (Michael) Clark, Wesley Weidle; great grandchildren Kendra Reedy, Emmett and Nolan Wafzig, Dylan, Landon, and Gavin Weidle, Ava and Evelyn Clark, Noah and Bailey Wafzig and great, great granddaughter Callie King; special nieces Bonnie McNabb, Peggy (Terry) McCollum; sister-in-law Evelyn Miller, brothers-in-law Robert Harris and Finley (Lodema) Allen, and cousin Alan (Beth) Schaeffer, along with many nieces and nephews. He was a 1946 graduate of Germantown High School. In 1951, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dayton and began his career at WPAFB. He completed an aircraft and propulsion acquisition course at the AF Institute of Technology at WPAFB and in 1954 continued his studies with a procurement-production course at Kelly AF Base, Texas. Over the years he received several citations for economics in propulsion contracting. In 1966 Orion received a Contracting Officer's warrant for jet engine contracting continuing until his retirement in 1983. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ for 70+ years and held the offices of Deacon and Elder, taught both Youth and Adult Sunday School classes for over 45 years and for several years presided as president of the congregation. In Germantown, Orion was a member of the Historical Society and served as President; member of the Board of Zoning Appeals; member of the Fire & EMS oversight; member of the oversight Board for constructing the Senior Center in 1999; member of the Germantown Lion's Club, and member of the K of P Lodge. Orion enjoyed books, walking, history and genealogy which resulted in the writing of the historical booklet, "The Frehling & Sariah Schaeffer Family History," dated August 2006. He loved to walk the downtown streets & businesses of Germantown and frequented his favorite stores and restaurants including the Germantown Library which his grandfather, Frehling Schaeffer, founded in 1870. For many years he also loved sharing Germantown's rich history with Valley View second graders. But most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was the frequent chauffeur for the grandkids taking them to school each morning and attending many of their school and sporting events. The family will receive friends 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. (1 hour prior to the Service), Saturday, May 22nd, at St. John's United Church of Christ, 201 West Market St., Germantown, OH, where the Funeral Service will follow at 11 a.m., with Rev. Laureen Roe and Rev. Mark Williams officiating. Burial will be at Germantown Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Orion's name to St. John's United Church of Christ, 201 West Market St., Germantown, OH 45327.