Duane Stirling "Smitty" Smith's Obituary
Duane Stirling “Smitty” Smith, age 76, of Spring Lake passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023, at home. He was born June 27, 1946, in Milaca, MN to Walter Stirling and Ann (Hubers) Smith. He attended Pease Christian School before moving to San Jose, CA in 1958, where he graduated from Blackford High School in 1964. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force. Smitty went back to school graduating from West Valley College in Saratoga, CA with an AA in Business Administration, Calvin College with a bachelor’s degree, and Christian Leaders Institute, with his ordination in 2014. Smitty, had thirty years of servant leadership in Christian media, twenty-six years at Gospel Communications, and was the co-founder of Gospelcom.net, where he served in numerous positions. He was a charter member of Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven, where he faithfully served on the Pastoral Care Team (along with his wife Janie), Crisis Care Team Coordinator and his Friday morning men’s group. Smitty was installed as chaplain for the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 in Grand Haven, in 2015. In 2004, he survived a near fatal motorcycle accident, forcing his early retirement, so he took up semi-professional photography, urban church counseling, and authored three books.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Janie Smith; stepchildren, Ron Barba, Kathy Smith-Downing, Amy (Dennis) Roesler and Adam (Alina) Warner; eight grandchildren: Marcus Stirling Smith, Tyler Churchill, Jake Churchill, Max Churchill, Maddie Churchill, Ziggy Warner, Roman Warner and Drake Roesler; three sisters: Elizabeth Gaudinier, Sharon Cherry and Carol (John) Teeler; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel Smith in 1997; his sister, Margaret Smith; and brothers-in-law, Ed Cherry and Ray Gaudinier.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Covenant Life Church, 101 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven, MI with Pastor Marshall Holtvluwer officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family after the memorial at church and one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials to Covenant Life Church or The Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 are appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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