Joseph Clyde Smith

Joseph “Joe the Carver” Smith

Cincinnati - Joseph C. Smith, 81, died unexpectedly at UC Medical Center on January 16, 2025. He was born March 12, 1943, in East Liverpool, Ohio, the son of Clyde and Dorothy (Sowers) Smith. Joe graduated from East Liverpool High School, Class of 1961.  He graduated from Fairmont State College with a Bachelor's in education. He graduated from Kent State University with a Master's in education. Following graduation, he taught industrial arts and ended his educational career in Administration at Alliance City Schools and Portage Lakes Career Center.

Joe married his college sweetheart, Margie Kuehens, and they settled in Greentown, Ohio. They were married 42 years before his wife's death. Joe was an avid fisherman, woodworker, draftsman, and wood carver. In retirement, he became well known for his wood carvings throughout Ohio. He enriched the lives of many with his storytelling, carvings, woodworking, and remodeling skills, all in his unique style. He was an active parish member at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and St Phillip the Apostle.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret. He is survived by his daughters, Dr. Kimberly Fuller (Jim) of Akron, Dr. Kerri McKenna (Frank) of Cincinnati, and Megan Stuck (Andrew) of North Canton; eleven grandchildren; one sister, Carol Tice (Jeff) of Carrolton, and one brother, James Smith (Peggy) of East Liverpool; many nieces and nephews. He is also remembered fondly by many friends and never knew a stranger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. David Durkee at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1800 Steese Rd, Uniontown, Ohio 44685. The service will be livestreamed on the parish website. Inurnment will immediately follow the mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio. Friends may call one hour prior to service time. A luncheon will follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.