John Thomas Smith Sr.

Mansfield, John T. Smith Sr., 82, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital after an extended illness. John T. Smith was born on July 23, 1942, in Louisville Ky. to the late Elizabeth Kilgore and Thomas L. Smith, stepfather, Alphonsa Kilgore who raised him. He made Mansfield home where he graduated from Mansfield Senior High School, and he continued his education in computer programing. He was a Notary Public. John had many jobs, he was a cab driver, a cook at Manners Big Boy and an assembly line worker. John never took piano lessons and played under the anointing of God. He came from a lengthy line of gifted pianists, musicians, and singers. John played for various churches throughout Mansfield. He lived in Michigan for a number of years and while there he formed a group that produced an album, he also played in Louisville Ky. He loved to preach the word of God. He became an ordained minister at an incredibly early age, he was a member of the Temple of Faith COGIC under the leadership Elder L.G. Maddox. He preached wherever he could to spread the gospel, later the Lord led him to start his church called Holy Tabernacle where he pastored for years until his health began to fail him. John served in the Army services for two years and during that time he had orders to serve in the countries of Okinawa, Japan, and British Honduras. John met and married Shirley Bowdry and with that union they had two children. He leaves to cherish in his memory his siblings, Abdul Jabar Kilgore, of Oh, Roberta Kilgore, of Az., Patricia Kilgore, of In., Shirley (Edward) Faison, of Oh, Lillian Hatcher, of In., David Kilgore, of Ky., Craig Kilgore, of Oh, Jack (Elizabeth) Kilgore of Tx., Emma (Melvin) King, of Ga., Rita (Salone) Price , of Tn; stepsister, Susan Nichols; brother, Kenneth Smith, of Ky; a special cousin, Dorothy Carr; special caregivers Shirley Faison and AnnShalea Yelton; host of nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth Kilgore and Thomas Smith, stepfather Alphonsa Kilgore, children, John Smith Jr., Jacklyn Smith, brothers, Jerry Kilgore, Allen Kilgore, and Robert Kilgore. The calling hours will be Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11 am, at Small’s Funeral Services, 326 Park Ave West, Mansfield, Ohio. The burial will follow at Ohio Western Reserves National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, Ohio 44273. The family has entrusted Small’s Funeral Services with the arrangements.

John Thomas Smith Sr.

July 23, 1942 - March 17, 2025