Kristian “Kris” Smith, 47, of Sunman, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, after a courageous battle with Mucinous Adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. Born on March 21, 1979, to his loving parents, Ricardo “Rick” and Sharon Smith, Kris shared a special bond with his sister, Nicole Giancola.
Kris was a devoted husband, loving father, son, brother, and best friend. Above all, he was a man of faith who loved Jesus deeply. His faith was an important part of who he was and guided the way he cared for and loved those around him. Kris had a genuine ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. His kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and contagious laughter touched the lives of so many. Kris had his best days surrounded by the people he loved. Family was at the center of his life, and he cherished the time he spent with his wife, sons, and extended family.
Kris loved the outdoors and treasured the memories of camping and hiking with his family and the Scouts. His dedication to Scouting led him to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment that reflected his determination, character, and commitment. Growing up, Kris enjoyed martial arts, playing soccer, baseball, and football in high school. Kris also was very fond of showing ponies and horses.
Kris had an engineering mind and was naturally curious about how things worked. He loved taking things apart and putting them back together, building computers, and finding creative ways to solve problems. He studied engineering in college with a focus on clean energy, reflecting his desire to understand the world around him and make it better.
Kris also found joy in the simple moments of life. He learned to cook alongside his father and loved experimenting in the kitchen for his own family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and took great pride in being the uncle who could be counted on to give the most unusual and memorable Christmas gifts.
He enjoyed playing cards and Monopoly with his family, even though Grandma Maifeld often managed to beat him. Kris always admired her card tricks and hoped to learn her secrets. These small moments, filled with laughter and love, are among the memories his family will treasure forever.
Kris had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. One of his memorable experiences was meeting his musical idol, Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. True to Kris’s warm and personable nature, what could have been a brief encounter turned into a genuine conversation as Kris joyfully sat down with Dicky and took the time to truly get to know him.
Kris’s greatest wish was to continue building a loving family. After being an amazing father to his three wonderful boys, he dreamed of having a baby girl. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his greatest joy came from being a husband and father.
Kris will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Annie, of 16 years; his three beloved sons, Edward, James, and Elias; his parents, Sharon and Ricardo “Rick” Smith; his sister, Nicole (Nick) Giancola; and his nieces and nephews, Anthony, Courtney, Kiera, Serena, and Katrina. He also leaves behind countless family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were made brighter by knowing him. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ruth and Melvin Maifeld and Skip and Bud Smith.
Though Kris’s time on earth has come to an end, his love, laughter, faith, and memory will live on through his family, his friends, and all those whose lives he touched. The lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
Kris was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed. And he will never be forgotten.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Services for Kris will be held on Thursday, October 15, at St. Paul’s Campus of All Saints Parish. The Rosary will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by visitation until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily.
Memorials in Kris’s honor can be made to his sons’ education fund (checks can be written to Julianna Smith) or to Fiat Classical Academy. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.