With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Eugene (Gene) Duane Smith, age 63, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Gene was born on October 30, 1962 in Punxsutawney. He attended Jefferson County-Dubois Area Vocational-Technical School (Jeff Tech) and graduated with a certification in carpentry. He, as many heroes do, enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1982 and retired after 22 years of service. He also worked at BFG Electroplating, now Punxsy Finishing Works, for over 35 years.
Gene met the love of his life, Anna Sue (Boboige), in 1986. They married on December 29, 1990, sharing over 40 years together and building a life defined by deep devotion, laughter, and family.
Gene was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, playing community softball, watching Steelers football, and hitting the open road on his motorcycle. Anyone who spent time with Gene also knew about his lifelong, lighthearted quest to find Bigfoot. Known throughout the community for his generous spirit and boundless humor, Gene was always the first to lend a helping hand and could instantly brighten any room with his quick wit and jokes. He was a devoted husband, father, Pappy, brother, and a cherished friend to anyone blessed enough to have known him. Throughout his life, travel was a reflection of the happiness he found in sharing life’s adventures with his loved ones. He experienced scenic bus trips across the country and an unforgettable cruise side-by-side with his beloved wife. As his daughters were growing up, Gene filled their childhoods with memorable road trips, turning long drives into much-anticipated traditions filled with music, laughter, and togetherness. In his later years, Gene’s greatest source of happiness was his role as a grandfather. He was overjoyed and filled with excitement over the arrival of the family’s little boy – his beloved grandson. Distance was never a barrier to his love; he eagerly boarded flights to Baton Rouge at every opportunity, counting down the days until he could hold and play with his grandson.
Gene is survived by his loving wife, Anna; two daughters, Sue Ann (Smith) Troutman and husband, Thomas, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Jeanie Smith, of Punxsutawney; one grandson, Eden Troutman of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; three sisters, Kate Campbell of Stanton, Dolores McCoy and husband, Charles, of Punxsutawney; and Debbie Snyder of Dubois; and two brothers, Harry (Ed) Smith and Rodger Grubbs.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Harry E. Smith and Joan Iva (Keller) Smith; his step-mother, Dorothy Smith; and his sister, Amanda (Mandy) Keith.
Family and friends will gather to honor Gene’s life and legacy on Friday from 6pm to 8pm at McCabe Funeral Home, Inc., 114 Maple Avenue, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday from 10am until the time of the funeral service at 11am with Pastor Jerrad Peterman officiating.
Military Honors will be performed by the Jefferson County Veteran’s Honor Guard.
Interment will take place at Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Sykesville, Pennsylvania.
