Thomas E. Smith, 86, of Snake Spring Twp, passed away peacefully, free of pain and surrounded by his loving family on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Born on March 15, 1939, in Central City, PA, he was the older son of the late Thomas and Thelma (Shaffer) Smith. On May 8, 1965, Thomas married, Janet (Perdew) Smith, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Bedford. Their marriage of 60 years was filled with love, faith, and countless cherished memories.

Thomas is proceeded in death by his wife, Janet and survived by his two daughters: Connie M. Fake wife of Alan Fake, of Palmyra, Pa; Jody L. Zimmerman wife of Steve Zimmerman, of Everett, PA. She was a proud grandmother of four grandchildren: Derek T. husband of Gina (Arnold) Fake, of Northlake, TX; Tabitha M. wife of Alex Connelly, of Elizabethtown, PA; Priscilla L. wife of Montana Gleason, of Culpepper, VA; Benjamin L. Zimmerman fiancé of Samantha Yokum, of Everett, PA. His joy only grew with the arrival of his four great-grandchildren: Georgiana Fake, Charlotte Connelly, Derek T. Fake Jr., and Indiana Gleason;

Tom is also survived by loving siblings: Harold (Ed) Smith and wife Jane; Norma Jean, late husband Donald Lynch; Robert (Bob) Smith, late wife Maxine; Joseph (Joe) Smith, late wife Cathy; Shirley Mae, significant other Donald Zarefoss; Beverly, wife of Rick Oehling. He is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, and other cherished relatives whose lives she touched deeply.

Tom is fondly remembered by his extended Perdew family: Shirley wife of Mike College, of Georgetown, KY; Dianne wife of Norman Rose Jr., of Bedford; Paul Perdew husband of Mary, of Bedford; brother-in-law: Kenneth Hauck, of Bedford. He is preceded in death by sister-in-law-June Hauck.

He was a proud 1957 graduate of Berlin High School, where he formed lifelong friendships and cherished the memories he would revisit year after year by faithfully attending his class reunions.

From 1962 to 1964, he honorably served his country in the United States Army, carrying with him the discipline, strength, and sense of duty that would define much of his life. Upon returning home, he built a long and respected career as a heavy equipment operator with Local Union 66. He later became an owner-operator truck driver, known on the road by his CB handle, "Tom Cat," a name that reflected both his independence and spirited personality.

Outside of work, he found his greatest happiness in the simple joys of life. He cherished time spent with his family, rarely missing a family reunion, and always valuing the laughter and stories shared across generations. He enjoyed attending bluegrass festivals, had a fond appreciation for John Deere tractors, and took great pride in restoring automobiles. Car shows were a favorite pastime, especially when shared alongside his wife and close friends.

In his later years, his world revolved around his family. Staying connected with loved ones and friends became his greatest priority and deepest joy. His steady presence, warm spirit, and unwavering devotion to those he loved will be remembered always.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, from 4-7 PM, at Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Bedford.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 161 E. 1st St. Everett, PA. 15537, with Father Donald Dusza- Celebrant.

A Committal Service will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Bedford.

Military rights accorded by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.

The family would like to thank Nancy's Personal Care Home and UPMC Hospice, for all the kindness they gave our father.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Bedford, Pennsylvania.