Jeff "Smokey" Teynor

Jeff “Smokey” Teynor, 70, of Bucyrus, died Thursday, June 25, 2026 at home surrounded by family. He was loved by many and had a great impact on those nearest his heart.

Jeff was born on February 10, 1956 in Bucyrus to the late James "Hots" M. and Kathryn D. (Heil) Teynor Sr. He was a 1974 graduate of Bucyrus High School and following his high school years, thoroughly enjoyed gathering with classmates when able. On September 20, 1975, he married his high school sweetheart, Debra K. Wagner, and she survives.

Smokey worked alongside his brothers as a brick mason with their family business, Design Built Construction (DBC), and concluded his career as a night Head Custodian for the Crawford County Courthouse.

Jeff’s life was dedicated to those he loved, and his grandkids said it best - all good stories start with "When we were with Papa..." He helped create some amazing stories and though they had some mischievous adventures, they also learned some valuable life lessons and shared many smiles along the way. He was committed to his daughters and proudly coached the Holy Trinity basketball team during their years on the court. Family gatherings were important to Jeff and for last 11 years, they’ve vacationed at various destinations. He and Deb shared many trips to area casinos and more recently they enjoyed a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate their 50th anniversary, where not only did he get to play his favorite slot machines, but he also got to watch The Eagles (his favorite band) perform at The Sphere.

Jeff was a member of the American Legion, where he enjoyed weekly breakfast with some of his classmates. In earlier years, he liked to bowl and was an avid runner, competing in several marathons and half marathons. He maintained a healthy garden which produced many tomatoes and various vegetables, all to help him carry on his mom’s cooking recipes as he prepared meals. His family and friends were also grateful when he made his famous beef jerky. Smokey enjoyed both fishing and ice fishing and playing poker with family and friends. He did a lot of grilling to help raise funds for both the Bucyrus Athletic Boosters and the Touchdown Club and was also active with the DBC Relay for Life team, as his sister battled cancer. Jeff was constantly working on some sort of project to keep himself busy but gladly put everything aside for time with family.

In addition to Deb, his soulmate and wife of 50 years, Jeff is survived by daughters, Michelle (Jeff) Beard and Aimee (Randy) Blankenship; grandchildren, Keagan, Elijah, Tucker, Dylan and Kaden; brother, Joe “Little Guy” (Leeann) Teynor; sister-in-law, Sharon Teynor; brother-in-law, Mitch Hewitt, as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Kathryn Teynor; sister, Jean Hewitt, and brothers, Jerome “Turtle” Teynor and Jim “Big Guy” Teynor, Jr.

Jeff’s family will host a Celebration of Life gathering from 4 – 6 pm on Tuesday, June 30, at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus. Bring your favorite story of Jeff and feel free to share with others as you roam and visit.

Jeff battled cancer for three years and in his final days, the staff at Pathways Hospice helped to lighten his load. His family is thankful for the compassionate care shown to him.

If desired, donations can be made payable to American Cancer Society, the Humane Society Serving Crawford County or to Pathways Hospice and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home. Online memories and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.