Byron G. "Barney" Smoker

Byron G. “Barney" Smoker, 84, of New Paris, died Wednesday morning, July 18, 2007, at Goshen General Hospital .      He was born in New Paris, Indiana, on June 22, 1923, to Max and Rosa (Franz) Smoker.  He married Donnabell Smith on August 16, 1945, at the First Brethren Church in New Paris.  She survives.        A 1942 graduate of New Paris High School , Mr. Smoker was part of the original Smoker family that started the Smoker Lumber Company in 1921 which later became Smoker Craft Boat Company in 1963.  Mr. Smoker was Vice President of Smokercraft, where he had worked for over 70 years.        He was an active member of the First Brethren Church of New Paris and later the New Paris Missionary Church .  He enjoyed working outside, spending time with his family, collecting antiques and woodworking.  A special joy was spending time at his home in the Bahamas .        He is survived by his wife, Donnabell; three children, Ann (Fred) Schrock of Mishawaka, Doug (Sara) Smoker of Goshen, and Nancy (Donn) Huber of New Paris; four grandchildren, Phillip (Jennifer) Smoker, Timothy Smoker, Sarah (Ross) Beehler, and Stephen Huber; and a great-granddaughter, Ella Mary Smoker.        He was preceded in death his missionary "brother" David Jobson.      Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, and 1 to 8 p.m., Friday, July 19 and 20, at the funeral home.  Friends will also be received 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 21, at the New Paris Missionary Church.        A 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 21, 2007, funeral service will be conducted at the New Paris Missionary Church .  Pastors David Hackney and George Swank will officiate.        Burial will be in New Paris Cemetery .        Memorial contributions may be made to the New Paris Missionary Church Building Fund.