John Richard Smith

John Richard Smith, 18, of Lenhartsville, died Wednesday, June 23, 2010 in Greenwich Township as the result of a farming accident.

Born in West Reading, he was a son of Richard C., Jr., and Billie Rae (Babel) Smith, with whom he resided. He attended Jacob’s Church, New Tripoli. He was a 2010 graduate of Kutztown Area High School, Kutztown. While at Kutztown High, John concentrated in the Agriculture Study program, and was a member of the Future Farmers of America. During graduation ceremonies last week, John received the Jennifer (Seidel) Butz Memorial Award given to a student in the F.F.A program for outstanding academics and community service, the Marcella and Ernest Frederick Memorial Award for a student excelling in welding, Kutztown Grange Award for academics and services to the agriculture community, and the Principal’s Service Award for academics and community service within the school community. John was employed as a farmhand and equipment operator at Liquid Motions, Inc., for Jeff Miller, Kutztown, in farming operations for the past 2½ years. Prior to that, he worked for five years as a farmhand for Hillside Acres, Lenhartsville. John was an outgoing individual who enjoyed farming, nature and helping people. He was involved in various community service projects and always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by Parents, Sisters, Rachel C. Smith, Allyson K. Smith and a Brother, Jacob C. Smith, all at home. Paternal Grandmother and Step Grandfather, Carol A. (Strotbeck) wife of Joseph Chellew, Hereford, Maternal Grandfather and Step Grandmother, Kenneth A. husband of Bonnie L. (Walter) Babel, Limerick, and Maternal Great Grandmother, Fay C. (Vromen) widow of Frank G. Babel. He was predeceased by his Maternal Grandmother, Hope E. (Cartmell) Babel who died September 6, 2002 and his Paternal Grandfather, Richard C. Smith, Sr., who died June 27, 2002.

Memorial Services are June 26, 2010, at 11:00 AM from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown. Inurnment is private at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Saturday, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the funeral home. The Kutztown Area School District will hold an informal gathering of remembrance for students and faculty on Friday, June 25, 2010, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the high school.

The family requests contributions to the John Richard Smith Memorial Fund, c/o Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., P.O. Box 292, Kutztown, PA 19530-0292. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.