Ivan K. Smith, 84, born Dorset County, England resident of Athens, OH, died March 12,2026 surrounded by his loved ones. He was predeceased by his parents William and Ethel Smith and two brothers, Adrian and Alan Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn (nee Loizeaux), daughters Helen Hutton and her husband Chris Hutton, Rachel Terry and her husband Ashley Terry, his son Kevin Smith and his wife Katelynn Smith, and grandchildren Kailey and Ryan Hutton and Emma Terry.

He was educated at Queen Mary College, London (B. Sc.) and University College, London (Ph. D).

He spent forty years of his professional career as a faculty member in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology at Ohio University, where he served eight years as chairman, and retired as an interim professor.

He is best known for his research on sulfur metabolism in plants, which was supported by grants from the NSF and USDA.

Personally he will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and kind demeanor towards others.

He will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the HAPCAP food program, a critical charity, which he has generously supported for a number of years.  Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  Please share a memory,  a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.