Matthew Jason Smith

Matthew Jason Smith, 46, of Newcomerstown, passed away Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer while surrounded by his loving family.

A son of Jack Smith and Shirley (Beamer) Smith, Jason was born November 20, 1965 at Dover, Ohio.

Jason attended Buckeye Trail High School and was a self employed timber cutter. On October 29, 1985, he married the love of his life, the former, Donna Saki and together the couple was blessed with two sons, Jake and Shane.

He was an avid outdoorsman and family and friends affectionately referred to him as “The Woodsman”. Some of Jason’s favorite outdoor activities included fishing and mushroom hunting. Most of all he enjoyed his family and cherished the time spent with his sons.

Surviving is his wife, Donna Smith of the home; his sons, Matthew “Jake” Smith and Shane Smith both of the home; a grandson, Gabriel Smith; his father, Jack (companion, Mary Stull) of Quaker City, Ohio; his mother, Shirley (companion, Melvin Neibert) Smith of Wainwright; his siblings, Jay (Chris) Smith of Freeport, Jack (companion, Janine Smith) Smith Jr. of Baltic, Marlee (Mark) Beatty of Gnadenhutten, Eric Trimmer of Dennison and Jennifer Moore of Uhrichsville; four sisters-in-law, Linda (Harlan) Smith of Uhrichsville, Debbie (Earl) DeLong of Lore City, Ohio, Ohio, Sandy (Terry) Smith of Barnesville and Chris Saki of Brunswick, Ohio; a brother-in-law, Louie (Kelly) Saki of Byesville, Ohio and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Sarah Beamer and Otha and Florine Smith.

In keeping with Jason’s wishes there will be no calling hours. A memorial service celebrating Jason’s life will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 3 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia with Pastor Chad Durfee officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Contributions may be made in Jason’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.