Steve Edward Smith

Steve “Eddie” Edward Smith, 79, of Daleville, passed away on March 23, 2026, at his home in the care of his wife and family. He was born on June 14, 1946, in Anderson, to the late Casper and Lyda (Hoover) Smith. 

A 1964 graduate of Anderson High School, Steve built a career as a machine repairman at Borg Warner, where he worked diligently for 22 years. After retirement, he volunteered at the Daleville American Legion, Post 446, where he was a member for 30 years. He and his wife, Margaret (JoAnn), lovingly managed their farm and home for 47 years. Steve was an avid fan of football and NASCAR racing, attending Colts games and cheering on Jeff Gordon with daughter, Sheila, and late son, Darin. He later enjoyed watching his great grandson, Dalton, race at Anderson Speedway and going to classic car shows with his granddaughter, Aleah. His hands were never idle, maintaining their home as the resident fixer-upper. Many afternoons were spent together at the kitchen table, watching the wildlife roam the land that brought him so much peace and fulfillment.

Those who knew Steve well would describe him as a quiet, honorable man who met every obligation with tenacity. He was a man who spoke with actions more than words. His partnership with his wife was a cornerstone of his life, sharing in the joy of music, following local bands, and enjoying simple pleasures like dining out with his family. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 61 years, Margaret (JoAnn) Smith; daughter, Sheila (Jeff) Shockley; grandchildren, Kayleigh (Michael) Montagna, Aleah Shockley, and Lark Richardson-Hawke (Sebastian Hawke); great grandchildren, Dalton Owen and Adalynn Gunn; brothers-in-law Bruce and Roger Haynes; sister-in-law Margot Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Casper and Lyda Smith; son, Darin Smith; siblings, Ronnie (Donna) Smith, Bobbie Smith, and Lavada (Kelly) Upchurch; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dale and Velma Haynes; brother-in-law, Phillip Haynes, and sister-in-law, Susie Haynes. 

Visitation will be from 12:00pm until 2:00pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Daleville, service to follow at 2:00pm. Burial will be at Saunders Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral in Daleville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Daleville American Legion, Post 446, at 14708 W. 6th St., Daleville, IN, 47334. You may express condolences or share a memory of Steve at www.ballardandsons.com.