Kyle Albert Smith

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kyle Albert Smith, aged 34, on September 16, 2024.  He was born on February 14, 1990, in Frankfort, IN, to Donty Ward and Kelli Bray (Smith).  Kyle left us far too soon, surrounded by his loving family, after a tragic accident. Kyle was a devoted husband, loving father, a son, a brother, an uncle, and a cherished friend.  He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 8 years, Chelsea Smith of Muncie and their four young children, Kya Smith, Kylar Smith, Kylix Smith, and Kylynn Smith, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his brother, Mitchell (Tiffany) Ward; nieces and nephews, Destiny Baker, Carter Ward, Emma Ward, and Paislee Ward; uncle, Frank (Melissa) Smith; aunts, Lisa (Mike) and Trisha; several cousins; and friends that were more like family. He was preceded in death by Baby Smith; best friend, Tony Manchester; grandfather, Charles Ward; grandmothers, Trudy Ward and Dixie Pollock; aunt, Tina Robinson; niece, Skyleigh Chapin; and stepfather, Ron Bray. Kyle had worked for Hendrickson beginning in 2012, as a temporary worker, and since being hired full-time worked as a trainer, assembly lead, supervisor, and an operations manager. His passion for manufacturing and drive to provide for his family motivated him to grow within Hendrickson so quickly. Recently, he had been chosen to be a Change Leader and this challenged him in many ways, but also highlighted his skillset. No matter what position, role, or team he worked in, he made Hendrickson feel like family. Kyle also had a passion for window tinting, which he had grown into a business, Smith’s Tint, over the past seven years. He never thought a hobby would turn into a whole community of people to support him. He had the utmost pride in his work with his attention to detail and he always treated everyone as family. That is what our customers will forever remember him for. He was passionate about drag racing, skating, and dirt bikes, along with four wheelers, fight night, and camping. More than anything, he loved spending time with his wife and kids, and was involved with all their sports, never missing a game. Kyle was always joking and was a master of dad jokes. He was always helping others and would put everyone before himself. He will be forever remembered for his boundless energy, kind heart, and unwavering dedication he showed to his family. Though his time with us was tragically cut short, Kyle’s legacy will live on through the love, strength, and kindness he instilled in everyone around him.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his absence will leave a void in our hearts that can never be filled.  Although his life was short, Kyle touched so many lives and his devotion will forever continue to inspire us all. Family and friends will gather Wednesday, September 25, for visitation from 12 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 4 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. You are invited to visit the website where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message at www.strawmyerdrury.com.