Benjamin W. Smith, a native of Lebanon County, died unexpectedly at his home Thursday. He was 73 and had been under a doctor's care.

Smith was retired from Agway, Inc. at Manheim. He was a member of Manheim's United Zion Church, the Manheim Sportsman Association and the Manheim Fire Co. His parents were the late Wilhelm R. [B.] and Barbara Kreider Smith. His widow is Minnie Hoffer Smith.

In addition to his widow, he is survived by 12 sons and daughters: Hoffer K., Elizabethtown; Jay W., James Jr., Benjamin Jr. and Irvin E., all of Manheim; Robert L., at home; Wayne G., Maytown; Ruth E., wife of Albert R. Forry, Mount Joy; Darlene H., wife of Eliger E.[C.] Lamberson, Lancaster; Lorraine J., wife of Charles C. Heisey, Maytown; Helen J., wife of Samuel E. Rhoads, Oxford RD, and Shirley M., wife of Richard C. Brown, Millersville R1.

Also surviving are 32 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and these brothers and sisters: Wayne J. Smith, Annville; May, wife of Alvin K. Bollinger, Lititz RD 4, and Esther, wife of Luke Hibshman, Palmyra.

Lebanon Daily News - Friday, February 8, 1974