Mr. Kenneth H. Smith's Obituary
Mr. Kenneth H. “Ken” Smith, age 65, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012. He was born September 10, 1946 in Muskegon to Irvin and Gaynel (Kruger) Smith and lived in the area his entire life. Ken worked as an officer for Muskegon State Park for 17 years. He also worked 23 years in loss prevention for Sears and retired in 2003 as manager. Ken was a kind and generous man. He dearly loved his wife, Evelyn, whom he shared nearly 50 years of his life. They were blessed with 6 children who cherish the example given of a loving and caring marriage. Ken also loved his birds and wildlife on the 80 acres he called home. His passion was cultivating a place for his family to enjoy a swim in the pond or fishing with the grandkids. He was affectionately called “Farmer Smith” by the school children he visited yearly to teach them about hatchlings and chicks. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ken looked forward to the yearly trips up north to Gaylord whether it was for deer hunting or mushrooms. Ken was also a “stuff collector” and would always have a use for a special treasure he would pick up. Ken was very active and found much joy in providing for others, so long as he could have one more cigarette and a cup of coffee. SURVIVORS include his wife and best friend, Evelyn; 6 loving children, Andy Smith; Bernadette (Ron) Miller, Colleen (Scott) Stanfield, Genia (Craig) Lehan, Matthew (Sarah) Smith, Natalie (Hector Holguin) Smith; 13 cherished grandchildren, Nicholas (Stephanie) Smith, Leigh Stanfield, Samantha Miller, Joseph Smith, Meghan Smith, Kendall Smith, Nathan Stanfield, Kenny Lehan, Chase Smith, Adrianna Stanfield, Maddie Smith, Evelyn Stanfield, Noah Stanfield; 2 great-grandchildren, Marissa and Nicholas Smith and one yet to be born; and 2 sisters, Gaynell Roundhouse and Kathy Shappee. Ken was preceded in death by 3 grandchildren, Jacob Miller, Anna Lehan, Olivia Lehan; his parents; and 1 brother, Irvin A. “Pink” Smith. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Friday, May 25, 2012 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Antony Britto as celebrant. INTERMENT will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday at The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Avenue, (231) 726-5210. A Scripture Service will be held 7:30 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to Mass, 10-11 AM Friday at the church. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to St. Thomas Catholic Church Memorial Fund. Sign the guest book on-line at www.sytsemafh.com
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