John D. Smith passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. He was born Oct. 8, 1942, to the late John W. and Naomi Smith.

John had a long and distinguished career in the explosives and blasting field. John was continually looking for technical ways to improve overall blasting operations both in terms of productivity and safety.

John held positions as drilling supervisor and manager of drilling and blasting (technical department) for AMAX Coal Company midwestern operations. He also held management positions with Black Beauty Coal and Peabody Coal as manager of drilling and blasting for Peabody Coal Company, Bear Run Complex. John was also employed by VIBRONICS, Inc. as manager of technical services.

John participated in numerous technical studies including but not limited to; USBOM, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Saint Louis University, University of Texas, El Paso, Northwestern University, OSM, SMU and Blasting Analysis International with the widening of the Panama Canal. John was also a member of the ISEE for many years.

He is survived by his wife Rita Sykes-Smith; sons Matt Williams (Jennifer), John Davis and Roscoe Miskell; brother Bill Smith, sisters Becky McClure (Bob) and Jean Ann Swalve (David), and many nieces and nephews.