TACAMO Fallen John William Smyder - VQ-4 & Rockwell Collins

June 17, 1956 - April 1, 2025

John W. Smyder III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025.

He lived a life filled with love, faith, and an unwavering sense of humor that brightened the lives of everyone who knew him.

Born to John “Bub” William Smyder, Jr. and Beatrice Mae Smyder, John was a man of deep integrity, wisdom, and kindness.

He was devoted to his family and took immense pride in the life he built with his beloved wife, Linda "Lin" Smyder. Together, they raised two wonderful sons,Greg Smyder and his wife, Heather, and Geoff Smyder and his wife, Christa.

His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Emily, Elizabeth, Payten, Kyle, Blake, Joanna,Taylor, and Savannah Smyder, who will always remember his warmth, humor, guidance, and appreciation for a Klondike bar or German chocolate cake.

John is also survived by his dear sister, Ellen Mathers, and her husband, Jimmy Mathers, along with many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know him.

A man of unshakeable faith, John found great joy in music, laughter, and the simple moments spent with loved ones. His kindness, wit, and wisdom will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

John was a natural tinkerer, always finding joy in working with his hands. Whether repairing something around the house, fine-tuning his ham radio, or helping track local storms, he had a gift for making things work and a passion for learning.

His love for adventure and the great outdoors led him to embrace glamping—his perfect mix of comfort and exploration. John adored his sons, Greg and Geoff, and their bond was built on love, laughter, and plenty of good natured banter.

Whether they were swapping jokes, debating the best way to fix something, or just giving each other a hard time, their conversations were always filled with wit and warmth.

He was endlessly proud of the men they became and cherished every moment spent trading wisdom, humor, and a little friendly sarcasm always followed by the infamous Smyder sigh.

John’s greatest hope was that everyone would come to know the love and grace of Jesus.

Even in his passing, he would want this to be a time for reflection—not just on his life, but on the good news of the Gospel.

He believed in the power of faith, the promise of salvation, and the peace that comes from knowing Christ.

If John could leave one final message with you, it would be to trust in God’s unfailing love and the hope found in Him.A celebration of John’s life will be held at First Christian Church of Wylie on Saturday, April 5th at 11 AM led by Pastor Alan of Our Living Hope Fellowship.

Thank you to LaRue Shepard for notifying TCVA.

The TACAMO Community extends its sympathy and prayer for peace to John's family and friends during this time of the passing.