Earl “Squirrel” Eugene Smith

Earl “Squirrel” Eugene Smith, 74, of Jasonville, passed away at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023 in his home.

He was born on July 9, 1949 in Linton, to Lowell Max Smith and Anna Mary (Kirchner) Smith.

Earl married the love of his life, partner in crime and his best friend Debra Lynn Abel on May 27, 1971. In 52 years together, they raised two children, Shelly Jackson (Jeremy) of Jasonville and Jason Smith (Jodi) of Jasonville; grandchildren, Lenzie Jackson, Max Jackson (Matt), Rebekah Coakley, Abbie Smith, Benton Smith and Isaiah Smith; mother, Anna Mary Smith of Jasonville; sister, Judy Stone (Floyd) of Linton and special unofficially-adopted daughter-in-law, Tina Crusie of Sullivan along with every friend of their children and nieces and nephews as their own. He was a devoted family man and loved his grandchildren, and loved being their “Poppo” and “Poppo Gurl”.

He was preceded in death by his father; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don Bridges (Betty) and unofficially-adopted son, John David Crusie.

Earl graduated from Shakamak High School Class of 1968. After high school he enlisted in the Navy and served two tours in Vietnam aboard the U.S.S. Takelma (ATF-113). He rarely spoke of the horrific side of the war, even ones close to him knew he didn’t leave unscathed. He and his shipmates who he told tall tales of frequently, were still close. They were his brothers till the end and he loved them the same. The Navy sent him around the world and he shared his memories of everywhere he had been. He was a proud Navy veteran. Earl enjoyed the outdoors. His true passions were mushroom hunting and fishing. He loved to hunt squirrels, thus his nickname, rabbit hunting and arrowhead hunting. He enjoyed family and Indiana history. He had a love for being somewhere on a riverbank or in a boat fishing. He owned several cabins on the White and Eel rivers. He gained this love from his father Max. This is truly the one place, besides with Deb, he was at peace. He helped coach Little League and basketball and never forgot about the kids he helped coach. He loved dogs and some cats. His last two, Effie and Clementine, he spoiled to no end.

Earl was a diehard IU basketball fan and an avid Colts fan. He enjoyed oldies rock, campfires and “telling lies”. His favorite saying was “Please let this sailor go to Heaven, because he has seen enough hell on earth”. He was a proud member of Hymera Lodge 588 F.& A.M. Free and Accepted Masons of Indiana and Jasonville American Legion Post 172.

Arrangements are entrusted to Michael W. Cox, Cox Funeral Home; 218 South Meridian Street in Jasonville. In keeping with Earl’s wishes, cremation is scheduled with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.