Thomas Howard Smith, 62, quietly slipped away to Heaven on May 8, 2025, where he resided at Oak View AFH in Barronett, under the care of Regional Hospice.

Tom was born on September 3, 1962 in Shell Lake, to Howard and Jackie (Brussel) Smith. At the time, little was known about Down's Syndrome, but the family accepted the challenge. His birth and life were an educational experience not only for his family, but also his community.

He was an experienced Special Olympian and earned many medals and ribbons at the Wisconsin Special Olympics track meets at the State Level. He had a grin just before he'd race because he was ready to "smoke" the competition!

Tom was loved and cherished everywhere he went. He was a man of few words, so when he spoke, you listened. He loved old country and western tunes along with the peppy gospel music he heard in church. Ice cream and popcorn were his favorite snacks. He was always up for a wrestling match with his brother or dancing with his sisters. In his later years he was known to give a pinch on the nose, a giant bear hug, and a smooch on the lips if the recipient was so inclined. He was rarely turned down.

Tom leaves behind his sisters, Jill (Donn) Schlapper of Spooner, Jody Schlapper of Tucson, AZ, and Barbara "Keith" Crone of Winchester, VA, and his wrestling buddy and brother, Mike (Pam) Smith of Bloomington, MN, along with his Oak View family in Barronett, and nieces and nephews.

In Heaven he joins his parents, Howard and Jackie Smith, brother-in-law, Dale Schlapper, his nephew, Matthew Schlapper, along with maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A visitation will be held at Skinner Funeral Home in Shell Lake on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 4:00 until 6:00 PM, at which time the family will celebrate Tom's life by sharing some memories and reflections.

"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" - 2 Corinthians 5:8

Last Update: May 14, 2025 1:01 pm CDT