Rodney C. "RC" Smith, of Lafayette, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2013, surrounded by family and friends, at St. Elizabeth Hospital East following a tragic hit and run accident on May 14.
RC was born May 7, 1951, in Rushville to the late Claude and Ellen Jane (Martin) Smith. He grew up in Marion and graduated from Marion High School in 1969, where he played in the band. He received a B.S. in engineering from Purdue University in 1975 and was a member of the marching band.
He served as the anhydrous ammonia specialist for the Office of Indiana State Chemist and Seed Commissioner for more than 33 years. In this position, he was widely regarded and respected as a national expert whose input was regularly solicited. He assisted in the administration of the Agricultural Ammonia Law and Rules. His comprehensive knowledge of ammonia equipment and installations was instrumental in the safe storage, handling and application of this essential plant nutrient. Mr. Smith conducted many safety seminars for the agricultural industry. RC was a certified boiler and pressure vessel inspector and served on the national ANSI K-61 review board.
RC enjoyed bicycling, playing cards and spending time with friends.
RC is survived by 10 first cousins, once removed, Timothy Laughlin, Connie Conover Brorson and Pat Laughlin Bayer, all of Bloomington, Bam Laughlin Benning of Corpus Christi, Texas, Jack Laughlin of Fort Wayne, Jerry Laughlin of Kendallville, Melanie Morgan Knight of Little Rock, Ark., Lisa Morgan Lutz of Fayetteville, Ark., Becky Whitcomb Landry of Sanford, Fla. and Roger Whitcomb of Yorktown, Texas. He is also survived by second cousins too numerous to list.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at East Hill Shrine Mausoleum, 779 E. State Road 44, Rushville.
A celebration of life will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2013, Elmwood Church of Christ, 2501 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette.
The Rodney Smith Memorial Scholarship in the College of Agriculture has been created at Purdue University. Contributions can be made by contacting the Purdue Foundation, 403 W. Wood St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2007; (800) 319-2199; gifts@purdue.edu; or directly at www.purdue.edu/giving.
Greg A. Parks, Sheila J. Parks and Stuart H. Parks are honored to conduct the services for Mr. Smith.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
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