Thomas L. Smith

Thomas Smith, age 77, of Frankfort, Indiana, passed away on February 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, faith, and deep love for his family and community. Born on January 6, 1949 in Kokomo, Indiana, Tom was the son of Archie and Zorada Smith. Growing up on a farm, Tom discovered his mechanical inclination; a trait that would shape both his career and his calling.

From his marriage to Patricia Young (Kingery), he was blessed with two beloved sons: Michael Smith and Nicholas Smith. They were a constant source of pride to him, and he took great joy in watching their lives unfold.

On June 30, 2007 he married his loving wife, Kristie Smith (Wright), with whom he shared 18 wonderful years. Through their marriage, Tom gracefully embraced Derek McCleary, Matthew McCleary, Sean McCleary (Brittany), as part of his family, loving and supporting them wholeheartedly.

Tom was a veteran who served as a mechanic in the United States Navy. He later owned and operated his own auto shop for many years before continuing his career at Caterpillar for 20 years; earning a reputation for honesty, skill, and a willingness to help anyone in need. His passion was hot rods, restoring them, and attending car shows whenever he could. For Tom, working on cars was never just a job, it was both a craft and a calling. Retirement did not slow him down. In recent years, he devoted his time and talent to Godsend Garage, a ministry that provides essential vehicle repairs to single mothers, widows, and elderly neighbors who could not otherwise afford them.

For Tom, this work was never just about engines and transmissions. Reliable transportation meant safety, employment, independence, and dignity for the people he served. He saw each repair as an opportunity to love his neighbor in a tangible way.

Whether under the hood of a car or offering a quiet word of encouragement, Tom served with humility and steady compassion. Through this ministry, he helped restore not only vehicles, but confidence and hope to many in the community.

Those who knew Tom will remember his generous spirit, his steady faith, his practical wisdom, and his willingness to show up whenever someone needed help. He believed deeply in serving others and lived that belief faithfully.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kristie Smith; his children, Michael Smith (Megan) and Nicholas Smith (Kara); his stepchildren, Derek McCleary, Matthew McCleary, and Sean McCleary (Brittany); nine grandchildren, Zachary Smith, Justin Smith, Adele Smith, Alex Smith, Valor Smith, True Smith, Dane McCleary, Conor McCleary, and Crew McCleary; sister, Jane Hill (Robert); brother, Mark Smith (Diane); mother-in-law, Jeannie Wright; sister-in-law, Beth Andrews (Ed); brother-in-law, Ron Wright (Becky); and many friends, fellow volunteers, and neighbors whose lives were better because of him. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Keith Wright; and brother-in-law, Larry Wright.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Crossroads Community Church in Kokomo, Indiana. The visitation will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, and the service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Tom’s memory by supporting Godsend Garage donate here  https://pushpay.com/g/ecrossroads?src=hpp&r=monthly or by extending practical kindness to someone in need, just as he so faithfully did.

Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smith family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas L. Smith, please visit our floral store.