Van Smailes

Van Smailes, 55, entered Heaven on Saturday, September 17, 2022 and is now reunited with his grandparents, father-in-law, and many others.

He was born Sept. 12, 1967 in Coshocton to Roxie (McKee) Jeffries. He spent much of his childhood being molded and raised into the faithful man he became by his late grandparents, Bill and Rosalie McKee. Van spent countless hours on their farm where he learned the value of hard work, and the love of family. Bill was the father figure in Van’s life; he and Rosalie loved and fostered a strong faith in Jesus Christ that Van leaned on his entire life.

Van graduated from River View High School in 1986 and went on to serve in the United States Army. Upon return, he spent his early days working side-by-side with his father-in-law, the late Skip Ferrell, at Skip’s Refuse Service. Skip expressed his gratefulness many times for Van, the man he considered a son in every sense of the word, and Van always made sure he was there for Skip to help with anything needed. Van began working with AEP on July 13, 1996 and remained a loyal employee until the time of his death. Van also enjoyed all things outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He took many hunting trips to Canada with friends to hunt and fish.

He knew a great deal about God’s word and was adamant about the importance of knowing Jesus Christ as a personal savior. He was not boisterous or pushy about his faith, but he had a deep belief and great love for God.

Van met the love of his life, Jandi (Ferrell) Smailes in junior high, the two shared a love story and a life like few people get to experience. Together they had two sons, Cody (Lauren) Smailes and Cole Smailes. They were the pride and joy of his existence. He had two grandchildren, Jayden and Lucy, to whom Van was an exceptional grandpa. He made seeing his grandchildren a priority and especially enjoyed the nights that one or both would stay over at “papaw’s house”. He is also survived by his mother, Roxie Jeffries; his father, Tom Smailes; a brother, Judd (Anastasia) Smailes; a niece, Kay-Lee Smailes; a step-brother, Troy Melick; step-sister, Amy (Kevin) McCoy; his mother-in-law, Delores Ferrell; brother-in-law, J.D. (Julie) Ferrell; and nephews & niece, Jake, Josh, Jessica Ferrell.

He was preceded in death by grandparents William “Bill” & Rosalie McKee; father-in-law Skip Ferrell; and an uncle Steve McKee.

Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at Valley View Cemetery. Pastor Ron Davis officiated. The Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw handled arrangements. www.fischerfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be made to NewPointe Community Church, 23801 CR 621 Coshocton, OH 43812 or to the Van Smailes Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Park National Bank, 229 N. 3rd St. Coshocton, OH 43812.

Category: Obituaries