Gaven A. Smith

Gaven A. Smith, 39, of Perrysburg, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. Gaven dedicated his life to serving others, and was well known across northwest Ohio for his philanthropic contributions to numerous individuals and organizations. Gaven was born Dec. 30, 1981, in Lubbock, Texas, and graduated from Milford High School in New Hampshire. Following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps. During his nearly four years of active-duty service, he deployed overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Reflecting on his military service, he once remarked, "… Every day I remember … to the families that lost a loved one I remember. I've met and served next to some of the greatest individuals I have ever met. I'm not perfect, and far from it, God's grace gives us that, and the American solider protects it.'" After earning his bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and his Master of Business Administration from Xavier University, Smith became an investment executive with Fifth Third Bank, Findlay. Known for his big heart, infectious smile, red hair and twice a month military high and tight haircuts, he volunteered with many organizations including Flag City Honor Flight, Northwest Ohio Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Committee, Perrysburg Post No. 28 American Legion Department of Ohio, a men's group known as F3 representing Fitness, Fellowship and Faith, and Children's Mentoring Connection, just to name a few. He is survived by his wife, Erin; two children, Griffin and Caroline; parents, David and Melinda Smith; two siblings, Casey and Ashley; two nephews, Liam and Abram; and two grandmothers, Dee Bock and Cindy Cribbs. Smith was preceded in death by two grandfathers, Robert Smith and George Bock, both men whom he adored. Gaven's funeral is 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary Street, Perryburg. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 910 West Wayne Street, Maumee. Visitation is 2-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Task Force 20 (https://www.tf20.org), Flag City Honor Flight (https://flagcityhonorlfight.org), or Hancock County Community Foundation (https://www.community-foundation.com). Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com