Johnnie "John" H. Smiley

Johnnie H. Smiley, 74, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on October 31, 2022. A very rare and aggressive form of vascular cancer, Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma (EHE), took his life within weeks of diagnosis and way too soon. He was born in Salem, KY and was a graduate of Livingston Co. High School in 1965. Upon moving to Northwest Indiana, John met and married his wife, Beverly, on April 16, 1971. Last year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary alongside their kids and grandkids. John spent the majority of his career with Praxair living and working in Indiana, Arizona, California and New Mexico. He retired at the age of 55 and moved back “home” to build his dream home on the banks of the Cumberland River in Smithland, Kentucky. John loved being back close to his siblings, extended KY family and old friends. John was a very hard working man that continued to work full-time even after his retirement. From a restaurant owner, human and medical transport driver, to a mall facility manager, and a security guard, he was always busy doing something. He enjoyed interacting with and mentoring the younger generation of workers. In 2020, John and Bev relocated back to Valparaiso to be close to their kids and grandchildren. John loved spending time with his family, especially his 5 grandkids. Pappa and Nana could be found at every baseball, tennis, volleyball and basketball game the grandkids played. John enjoyed the great outdoors, fishing and hunting. He had a passion and love for the water, boating and nice cars. He especially enjoyed good food, country music and family get-togethers. He was the most incredible father, husband and Pappa anyone could ask for. John’s love and light shined on so many people. He was a true family man and the one person everyone turned to as he was always willing to help family and friends in any way. His infectious smile, memorable laugh and bear hugs are treasured by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by those he loved and will always be kept close to their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvel and Mina Mae Smiley, sisters Debbie Smiley, Barbara (Ollie) Curnel, and step-brother Owen Smiley. John is survived by his wife Beverly Smiley, daughter Terra (Chad) Nightingale, grandsons Jake, Matt and Nate Nightingale, son Ryan (Dena) Smiley and grandkids Jori and Jack Smiley, all of Valparaiso. In addition, John is also survived by his brother Dennis (Shirley) Smiley, sisters June Kerns, Janice Ellegood, Shirley (Billy) Kirk, Sandy (George) Faith, and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. To honor John’s memory, a Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, November, 13 from 2-4 pm at the Dunes Pavilion located at 1600 N. 25 E. in Chesterton, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Porter County Community Foundation, John H. Smiley Scholarship Fund at www.pccf.gives/johnsmiley or by mail to 1401 Calumet Ave. Valparaiso, IN 46383. Each year a Valparaiso High School Senior participating in basketball, baseball, tennis or volleyball may apply to receive a scholarship in John's honor and memory for their undergraduate studies.

Johnnie "John" H. Smiley

December 14, 1947 - October 31, 2022