Douglas Brian Smith

A funeral service celebrating the life of Douglas Brian Smith, age 81, of Harrison Township, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, at the Kirkersville Chapel of Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service with Clifford Mason as Celebrant. Burial will follow in York Street Cemetery where military honors will be observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

Friends may call from 12-1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home, 285 East Main Street in Kirkersville.

Doug was born August 15, 1943 in Lexington, Kentucky to the late James E. and Mary Louise (Quinn) Smith. He passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at The Inn at Summit Trail in Reynoldsburg.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Doug faithfully served his country during the Vietnam Era, embodying the spirit of patriotism and duty. He was President & CEO of the Doug Smith Realty and Auction Company for over 40 years as a real estate broker and licensed auctioneer, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Concurrently, Doug served for many years in service to the public. He served 15 years as a member and chairman of the Ohio Auctioneers Commission, appointed to an unprecedented five terms by two Ohio governors. As an elected official, he served 26 years in Harrison Township (Licking County, Ohio) as a Trustee and as a Licking County Commissioner for 10 years.

Doug’s passion for history found expression as a member and past president of the Ohio National Road Association. He co-authored A Traveler’s Guide to the Historic National Road in Ohio and Preservation 2000. He was also a member of the West Licking Historical Society and the Licking County Historical Society. A man of diverse interests, Doug was a proud member of Mensa International, having taken the test on a lark and nearly aced it. Doug was also a writer for the Pataskala Standard for 14 years, having also written for several other publications and contributing over 700 published works to enlighten and inspire readers.

Doug was an active figure in his community, cherished for his generosity, humor, and deep appreciation for life. His presence will be missed by all who knew him, yet his contributions and memories will continue to live on in the hearts of many.

He is survived by two sons, Eric (Michelle) Smith of Harrison Township and Todd (Alasyn) Smith of Bremen; four grandchildren, Alex, Kyle, Zeke, and Abi; and a sister, Barbara Stelter of Loveland.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen J. (Kimes) Smith on November 29, 2004.

Hoskinson Funeral Home in Kirkersville is honored to care for Doug and his family.