Edward F. Smidebush

Hilton Head – Edward F Smidebush, 94, of Hilton Head, SC, formerly of Ottawa, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026, at the Preston at the Cypress in Hilton Head. He was born May 1, 1932, in Ottawa to the late Charles and Cecilia (Overman) Smidebush. On August 9, 1955, he married Mary Lou Moening, who survives in Hilton Head.

Edward is also survived by two sons: Gerald (Tina) Smidebush of Hilton Head, SC and David (Jackie) Smidebush of San Antonio, TX; five grandchildren: Matthew (Meaghan) Smidebush of Austin, TX, Megan (Ethan) Stewart of Goodyear, AZ, Shelly (Cody) Bell-Sharp of Jackson, OH, Rylee (Noah) Stadwick of Bluffton, SC and Chase Gillum of Lancaster, OH; and 2 great- grandsons, Wade Smidebush & Leo Stewart.

Edward is proceeded in death by his brother, James Charles (Jane) Smidebush of Indiana.

Edward served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for many years as an accountant, most recently for Philips Display Components in Ottawa. He then became the first business manager of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and was one of the founding members of the Sts. Peter and Paul School Foundation. Edward spent more than 50 years as a member of the Ottawa Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of the Putnam County Companions of Missionaries of the Precious Blood, a member of the Ottawa K of C Council 1757 and served as former president of Sts. Peter and Paul School board.

Calling hours will be at Love Funeral Home on Sunday, November 1, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Monday, November 2 at 10 a.m. with Fr. Scott Kramer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by Ottawa American Legion, Ottawa VFW, AmVETS and DAV.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish church door replacement fund (established with an initial donation by Edward and Mary Lou Smidebush), or to Friends of Caroline Hospice of Ridgeland, South Carolina (donations to Brooke@fochospice.org or 843-525-6257).

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com