Plen J. Smith II, a kind and gentle soul, passed into everlasting life with his Lord and Savior on April 17, 2025, at his home in Terre Haute, Indiana, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Though taken too soon, Plen’s eternal peace in the Lord brings comfort to those who cherished him.

Born on June 7, 1954 in Terre Haute, Plen was the son of Plen G. Smith and Freda Cannady Smith. He was preceded in death by his father, Plen G., and sister, Linda Smith Hooper, both of West Terre Haute. Plen is survived by his mother, Freda Cannady Smith of Terre Haute; sister, Patricia Smith of West Terre Haute; wife, Deborah A. Smith of Terre Haute; sons, Plen Smith III of Washington, DC, and Sylas Smith (Ashley Higham Smith) of Terre Haute; grandsons, Mason, Clay, and Nolan; and many nieces and nephews. God and his family were his enduring cornerstones.

Plen grew up in western Vigo County, attending Fayette Elementary and West Vigo High School. He studied electronics at Ivy Tech, forging a remarkable career. As a teenager, he worked summers at a local roofing company, honing craftsmanship. Drawn to the electrical field, Plen joined a local electrical union apprenticeship program, becoming a journeyman electrician and later earning his master electrician certification. He founded Premiere Electrical Contractors, known for dedicated service, integrity, and quality, earning respect across the Midwest.

Later, Plen answered his son Sylas’s call to co-manage Guarantee Roofing, bringing extensive construction expertise to the family business. He created a nurturing workplace, mentoring employees with steadfast quiet pride. Working with Sylas was his greatest joy, serving as mentor, advisor, and roofer, always cherishing their time together.

Plen’s faith was nurtured through active involvement in Central Presbyterian Church of Terre Haute, New Providence Presbyterian Church in Paris, Illinois, and Bible study at Kings Harvest Foursquare Church, each community strengthening his bond with God. Guided by faith, Plen embraced adventure and nature through his many travels on motorcycle and family trips to the open west, especially New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. His passion for travel, he would say, began at age 8 when his aunt and uncle took him on a transformative journey out west, igniting a lifelong wanderlust. Plen never passed up a trip, exploring every corner of the United States, Canada, and as far east as Japan and Hong Kong, each adventure fueling his love for discovery.

Plen lived a life of faith, family, and quiet service. His gentle, generous spirit deeply touched countless lives and hearts, from his beloved family to friends, colleagues, and neighbors. His memory endures in his shared love. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025, with visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a service at 6:30 p.m. at Samaritan Funeral Home, 25th and Wabash, Terre Haute, led by Pastor Dennis Leek. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a self-cancer screening for those with a family history or risks of cancer, honoring Plen’s memory.