Obituaries

Stephen E. Smoker, 68

June 17, 1951 - November 13, 2019

On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, Stephen Eugene Smoker, loving husband and father, of Paradise, PA, passed away, after a brief battle with cancer, at the age of 68. He died at home, surrounded by his family.

Stephen was born on June 17, 1951, on the family farm in Morgantown, PA, to Melvin Zook Smoker and Sadie (Stoltzfus) Smoker. He graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1969 and completed a year at Lincoln University, Oxford, PA. He was married to Sheryl Darlene (Weaver) Smoker on February 12, 1972. They were married for 47 years.

In 1973, Stephen founded S.E. Smoker, Inc., a successful residential/commercial General Contracting firm located in Strasburg, PA, which he would own and operate for 43 years. He was also known for his commercial real estate development projects in Strasburg and other parts of Lancaster County.

Stephen was proud of the many churches he built, his many professional relationships, and his charity work which included numerous missions trips, building several “House of Blessings” homes, sitting on the board of Steve Wingfield Ministries, and his sponsoring of the medical ship, Logan’s Clinic, named after his grandson.

Stephen enjoyed riding and collecting motorcycles, golfing, and spending time wintering in University Park, Florida. He was known among friends for his stories which seemed to grow better every time he told them.

Stephen was preceded in death by his mother, Sadie, and grandson, Logan Clark Stoltzfus, and is survived by his wife, Sheryl, his two children, Kyle Stephen Smoker (husband of Noi Liang) and Kara Ann (wife of Clark A. Stoltzfus), three grandchildren, Sierra Rachael Smoker Stiling, Madelyn Grace Stoltzfus, and Maxwell Stephen Stoltzfus, his father, Melvin, his sister, Lena, and brother, Glen.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 18th from 2:00-4:00 in the afternoon and again from 6:00-8:00 in the evening at Keystone Evangelical Free Church, 6 Pequea Drive, in Paradise, PA 17562. A memorial service will be held the following morning on Tuesday, November 19th at 11:00, also at Keystone Evangelical Free Church. The Rev. Steve Wingfield will be officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Please omit flowers. Contributions may be sent to GPA Ministries – Logan’s Clinic, PO Box 520, Oxford PA, 19363. Arrangements entrusted to Bachman Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 7 S. Decatur St., Strasburg, PA 17579, 717-687-7644.

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Condolences to the Family

July 23, 2020

Hey Everyone. I am Steve’s Granddaughter and I have always known him as “Poppop”. When I first found out he was in the hospital I was on a trip and we had to come home early. When I found out he had cancer I was scared and wondered if he was going to die. My dad blurted out on accident one night that he was going to die and I couldn’t believe it. He had said to me weeks before we knew he had his cancer that he would not die until I was an adult. “I will not die for a long time,” he said one time we were at his house. He seemed fine then. And then the day came where I was pulled out of school and my eyes watered up and my friends were hugging me. He died that day right as I entered the room where he was staying. It was like he waited to die until he knew we all had JUST stepped in the room. I miss my grandfather so much, and going into high school in a year I know I had memories and time with him and I also know I am old enough I will remember him for the rest of my life. I will always remember the day he died and look at the clock when it is 11:57 AM. I will also think of him when it is my birthday, because he came out of the hospital that day. SPECIAL THANKS TO: Charles F Snider Funeral home
AND: Lancaster General Hospital
I will see you again Poppop. ❤️
Madelyn Stoltzfus

November 19, 2019

I was fortunate to know Stephen as a landlord when I relocated my business to Gap. I got to know him not only as a good, honest businessman but also as a kind, caring person. I looked up to him and he was always willing to share his stories and business insights. He would always ask how my kids were doing at the Christian school. He made the office a home for my business.
I am so sorry for the loss of Stephen and my heart goes out to all his family and loved ones. He was always happy and energetic and I will miss seeing him walk through the door. He had such a big personality that can’t be replaced.
 
Dan Keane
 

November 19, 2019

Sheryl, Kyle,Noi,Sierra,Clark,Kara,Madelyn,and Maxwell, We are so sorry for your loss! May you continue to be held in the sweet embrace of Jesus, and find comfort in knowing that your loved one is more alive than you are and enjoying the glories of his new home! AND the best part!- He’s actually where Jesus is! Logan must be so delighted to have his beloved grandpa with him, always and forever!! They’ll be waiting for you!
Amos and Marianne

November 18, 2019

Here’s a note I sent to Steve shortly after learning of his situation…Hey Steve. I’ve pondered writing this note for days now so here goes. Whether you read this, someone reads it to you or it’s never read because time with your family is so important right now it’s important for me to send it. I’ve heard the news of the physical crisis you’re in and my heart aches. You and a few other great guys were gracious enough to invite this outsider into your tight knit riding group over 20 years ago. I’ve shared so many stories of our rides and time together to so many attentive ears. You will never know the place in my heart each of you holds and the smiles that will forever be etched into my heart and my mind. You are a genuine friend and I count it one of my greatest honors to count you amongst my most cherished friendships. So from this broken hearted biker buddy I wanted you to know that you are loved and deeply respected. Although I may not get to see you in person I will be sure to anticipate our reunion one day. You have been a very special friend… Love you Steve. Your friend, Tim Hamilton
So to Cheryl and the family… Thank you for sharing your husband, Dad, Pop Pop with me on the occasions you did. He was one of a kind and had an indelible impact on me. Your love of him has been so eveident throughout the past 90 days and I pray that the God miracles will fill the void with love and laughter left in the absence of “one of the good guys.

November 17, 2019

To the Family of Steve,  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during the difficult time.  We only knew him for a moment and it was a great honor to meet him. We are hopeful that we brought him a little joy in his final days.  God’s Blessings to you all. Peace be with you!   So sorry for your loss. 
With Sympathy,  
Dan and Carol Duckworth , Photographers 
With Mecum

November 16, 2019

You have been in our prayers. Just think your husband and our boys are all enjoying heaven. I look forward to seeing them some day before too long. May you know God’s peace and comfort at this difficult time! We know how much prayer means and we will continue to pray for you and your family.
 
Ken & Elaine Stoltzfus

November 15, 2019

I will miss his great stories. I still retell some of the stories he told. What a good man man. What a legacy he left. My God comfort the family in this tremendous loss. 
John Schmid

November 15, 2019

I didn’t know “Smoker” well, I met him at the Sarasota Harley-Davidson dealership. He always had a smile and a kind word.  My heart goes out to his family and friends. Heaven has a big hearted angel.
Sharon Edwards

November 15, 2019

I was so sad when Leon Weaver told us about Steve’s diagnosis and have been praying for you. I know it is hard to lose loved ones. So glad for his life of great purpose for glorifying God. Take care of yourself, Cheryl, there are health risks in losing a husband.
Joyce Meck

November 15, 2019

A beautiful tribute to Steve, he fought a good fight, with his dear family beside him the whole time, much love , many prayers, you did well as you said goodbye ♥️🙏🏼Our love n prayers as you journey on without dear Steve, may you feel God’s comfort n grace for the days ahead♥️We love you! Jake n Loretta

November 15, 2019

I am so sorry and sadden for the loss you are experiencing!!  I will miss my brother !!  Know you are loved by me and I care  ❤️🙏🏼
Lena Arbogast

Visitation
Monday, November 18, 2019
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Keystone Evangelical Free Church
6 Pequea Drive
Paradise, PA
Map and Directions

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Visitation
Monday, November 18, 2019
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Keystone Evangelical Free Church
6 Pequea Drive
Paradise, PA
Map and Directions

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Services
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
11:00 AM
Keystone Evangelical Free Church
6 Pequea Drive
Paradise, PA
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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