Matthew David Jaenicke, Clyde Wesley “Butch” Smith III
Matthew David Jaenicke
Matthew David Jaenicke, 55, of Kokomo, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at his home. He was born on October 29, 1970, the son of Vincent Jaenicke and Kathy (Hopper) Haigh.
Matthew was a 1989 graduate of Western High School. He joined the United States Air Force after high school and ranked as a Senior Airman. He earned the Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon. After serving in the Air Force, he worked as a machinist at Caterpillar from 1993 to 2003. He attended Bridgeway Christian Church in Kokomo.
He is survived by his sons Keenan (Tia) Jaenicke and Devin (Haylee) Jaenicke; brother JR Jaenicke; mother Kathy Haigh; father Vincent Jaenicke; grandmother Mary Jaenicke; nephew Dillon Jaenicke; and several grandsons.
Matthew was preceded in death by his sister Amanda Peters; niece Aubrey Peters; grandparents Walter & Beatrice Johns and David Jaenicke; and stepfather Jack Haigh.
A graveside service will be held at Marion National Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Greentown American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson Street Commons. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Clyde Wesley “Butch” Smith III
Clyde Wesley “Butch” Smith III, 56, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on December 18, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. Born on July 13, 1969, in Kokomo, Butch lived a life marked by dedication to family, hard work, and a deep love for sports and community. He was a member of Center Road Church of Christ.
A proud graduate of Kokomo High School’s Class of 1987, Butch went on to serve his country in the United States Navy that same year. He received an honorable discharge and carried the values of service and discipline with him throughout his life.
Butch built a diverse and accomplished career. He worked as a weekend residential advisor at Bona Vista for two years and later drove trucks for Patriot Trucking. In addition to his professional licenses, he held a CDL-A with Hazmat endorsement. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate The Alamo Steakhouse in Kokomo, where he shared his passion for food with the community. He retired after 20 years at Chrysler, where he worked as a utility in department 9110.
Family was central to Butch’s life. He is survived by his high school sweetheart Pamela (Keller) Smith, married for 37 years; his sister Angie Lovegrove; and his three sons Wesley (Jessyca) Smith of Kokomo, Chase (Amber) Smith of Kokomo, and Ty Smith of Kokomo, along with Ty’s girlfriend Mackenzie Huntsman. He was a proud grandfather to Violet (5), Ellie (5), and Mia (2) Smith—all of Kokomo—who brought immense joy into his life. They are Papaw’s Girls. Also surviving are his uncle Ralph (Pamela) Smith of Annapolis, Maryland, and 13 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother Connie M. Powers; father Clyde W. Smith Jr.; sisters Tammy Cook, Dorothy Smith, and Linda Anger; and brother-in-law Timothy “Pa” Lovegrove.
Butch had an enduring love for sports—especially cheering on the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University Hoosiers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Indianapolis Pacers, and Indianapolis Fever. Whether it was football or basketball—or any sport—he found joy in watching games and sharing that passion with others.
His enthusiasm extended beyond spectating; Butch coached his sons in football and baseball as well as a PAL flag football team to three consecutive championship titles. He also coached baseball at North Side and East Side ballparks in Kokomo, helping shape young athletes through mentorship and teamwork.
One of Butch’s favorite pastimes was spending time in the garage with his best friends—Wally, Floyd, and Jim (Bob)—watching TV together. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he had the chance.
Known for being generous, honest, hardworking, driven, and deeply family-oriented, Butch left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held where attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite sports team apparel in honor of Butch’s lifelong love for all things sports-related—a fitting tribute to a man who found joy in every game.
Visitation will be held at Center Road Church of Christ, 899 W, CR 300 S, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 4. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m.
May Clyde Wesley “Butch” Smith III’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire the values he lived by: loyalty to family, pride in one’s work, love for community—and always cheering for your team.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Clyde’s memory may be made to the care of the family. Out of respect for the family it is requested that all attendees be over the age of 16 years old.