Mr. Galen D. Smith,  84, of Rochester,  passed away at 4:30 PM, on November 28, 2020, at Seasons Home Care of Ft. Wayne.

On November 15, 1936, Galen Duane Smith was born at home in Denver.  He was the treasured son of Garland and Margaret Crippen Smith. Growing up he shared his childhood with his sister Sue.  Galen graduated from Chili High School in 1954.

Continuing his formal education he studied at Western New Mexico University, to achieve his dream of becoming a teacher.  Galen earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education in 1958.  He earned his Masters of Science in education from Ball State University in 1965.

In the Chili United Methodist Church, Galen and Joyce Evelyn Hunt were married on August 25, 1957. They have shared 63 years of life's adventures. From their union came three wonderful children Susan, Kerry and Greg.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of five grandchildren.

In Hendricks County, Mr. Smith initiated his teaching and coaching career at Clayton High School.  He returned to his alma mater Chili High School from 1960 - 1961, to teach and coach for their final year.  The following year with the consolidation of North Miami Schools, Mr. Smith moved to North Miami from 1961 - 1964.  The Smith family moved to Montgomery County, and Galen continued his teaching career at Darlington High School from 1964 - 1968.    As a Golden Eagle, Mr. Smith taught and coached for Oak Hill High School from 1968 - 1972.  Coming to Rochester in 1972,  Mr. Smith taught at RHS for the next 32 years, retiring after a total of 46 dedicated years of service to his students, parents and colleagues.

During his years of service to education, Coach Smith was head varsity men's basketball coach for many years with a few years of junior varsity.  He also coached cross-country, baseball and track.  He was an esteemed role model, admired by his students and respected by his peers.  A life coach, Mr. Smith provided the foundation and skill sets necessary to empower the success of his students, allowing them to embark on their life journey with confidence.  He took great satisfaction in watching the development of young men and women as they evolved into productive, contributing citizens.

Coach Smith also served as chapter leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in both Oak Hill and Rochester.  Each summer he played a vital role in organizing the summer retreats where student-athletes could bond and grow spiritually.

Devoted to his church, Galen was a vibrant member of the Grace United Methodist Church. He served many Sundays as liturgist, was appointed to many boards and was a member of the Pastoral Parish Committee. A servant to our community, Galen worked on multiple home building projects for Habitat for Humanity.  He and Joyce also delivered Meals on Wheels to community shut ins.

Left to cherish Galen's memory are his wife, Joyce; a daughter, Susan L. Halterman of Rochester; two sons: Kerry Smith and wife Susan of Denver, Greg Smith and wife Erica of Cedarville, OH;  five grandchildren: Jillian Williams and husband Ben, Katherine Halterman, Peytan Smith, Reagan Smith, Logan Smith;  a sister, Sue Myers and husband Curt of Greenwood; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Galen in death are his parents Garland and Margaret Smith, and son-in-law, Jerry R. Halterman.

A private family celebration of the life of Mr. Galen D. Smith will be held in the Good Family Funeral Home.  Pastor Kurt Nichols will officiate.  Interment will be  in the Chili Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes,

916 W. 8th St., Rochester, IN 46975, Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 843, Rochester, IN 46975, Meals On Wheels, % Woodlawn Hospital,1400 E. 9th St., Rochester, IN 46975, Grace United Methodist Church,201 W. 7th St., Rochester, IN 46975.