Walter L. “Shorty” Smale, 80, of Bedford, went peacefully to be with his Lord at 4:27 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 at his residence, surrounded by his family.

Born March 24, 1929, in Lawrence County, he was the son of Fred and Dorothy (Blackwell) Smale. He married Mary A. Kelp on Sept. 17, 1950.

He was a forklift operator at General Motors for 33 years retiring in 1981. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War. He attended Gulletts Creek Baptist Church and was a member of the Brown County Antique Tractor Association and U.A.W. Local No. 440.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, water skiing, riding his motorcycle and restoring antique John Deere tractors. Most of all, he enjoyed good times with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Mary of Bedford; two daughters, Theresa Gerig and husband Mike of Fort Wayne, and Connie Franklin and husband Ed of Springville; one son, Roger Smale and wife Lynn of Springville; a brother, Harold “Eugene” Smale and wife Mary of Bedford; six grandchildren, Doug Franklin and wife Kasey of Indianapolis, Chad Gerig and wife Stacey of Fort Wayne, Jodi (Franklin) Davis and husband Matthew of Fishers, Ryan Gerig of Fort Wayne, Kegan Smale and his girlfriend Michelle Kintz of Springville, and Kyler Smale of Springville; one great-grandson, Jaxson Gerig; and three additional great-grandchildren due in November, December and April; brothers and sisters-in-law, Maxine Hedrick, Don Kelp and wife Thelma, all of Nashville, Dallas Kelp and wife Barb of Columbus, Jim Kelp and wife Bev of Nashville, Jerry Kelp and wife Annie of Sullivan, Judie Schroeder and husband Ken of Columbus, and John Kelp and wife Judy of Nashville; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 from the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary. Burial will follow in the Judah Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 at the mortuary.

Pallbearers are Roger Smale, Doug Franklin, Chad Gerig, Ryan Gerig, Kegan Smale, Kyler Smale and Matthew Davis.

Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book and light a candle in memory of “Shorty” at www.daycarter.com.