Frederick M. "Fred" Smith Sr.'s Obituary
Frederick M. “Fred” Smith, Sr., age 94, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Christian Care Assisted Living. He was born January 19, 1931 in Muskegon to Matthew and Stella (McKeon) Smith and lived in the area his entire life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean War 1950-54. On December 30, 1950, he married Gloria P. Fordham in Biloxi, MS and she preceded him in death on December 26, 2011. Prior to retiring in 1994, Fred worked in maintenance for 25 years at Muskegon Community College. He is a former member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking, cooking and spending time in his garden. Survivors include 2 children, Rick (Janice) Smith, Cyndi (Denny) Powers; 4 grandchildren, Meghan (Mike) Haver, Nick (Becci) Radel, Erica (Matt) Snyder, Tara (Renan) Salviato; 10 great-grandchildren, Taylor (Tristan), Bentley, Madilyn, Peyton, Tinley, Cole, Brennan, Nolan, Evelyn, and Lucca. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Smith; his granddaughter, Nicole Radel; his parents; brother, Gene Smith; and sister, Betty Shock. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, October 11, 2025 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444, with Pastor Andy Smith officiating and Military Honors offered by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Honor Detail from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Norton Cemetery. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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