Robert L. Smith's Obituary
Robert L. Smith, age 93, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at Mercy Health Muskegon. Bob was born October 28, 1923, in Jackson, MI to Lawrence C. and Blanche (Mason) Smith and has resided in Norton Shores since 2003. Bob was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp, Signal Aircraft Warning Regiment. A graduate of the Michigan College of Mining and Technology (now Michigan Tech) he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering and began his career with the Pittsburg Coke and Chemical Company’s Davidson Mine in Caspian, MI where he met his wife, the former Katherine “Kassy” M. Corbett. They married January 15, 1948, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, in Iron River, MI. His 45-year career in mining took Bob and his family to Michigan, Colorado, Arkansas, Virginia, Florida, and Ohio, working for the Reynolds Mining Corp., the Odanah Iron Company, and the U.S. Gypsum Co. Following 27 years of employment at American Electric Power Company, in Athens, OH, he retired in 1991. For many years Bob was a member of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers. Before becoming a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in 2003, Bob was an usher, lector, and Eucharistic minister at St. Paul Catholic Church in Athens, OH. In 1981, Bob fulfilled his life-long dream and learned to fly with the Athens Aero Club, where he was treasurer for over 20 years. Bob was an instrument-rated single engine pilot, flying to many destinations within the United States. SURVIVORS include his daughter, Ginny (F. Remington M.D.) Sprague of Norton Shores; four grandchildren: Robert (Maura) Sprague of Bedford, NH; Stephen (Crystal) Sprague of Milford, MI; Thomas (April) Sprague of Washington D.C.; and Erin Sprague of Chicago, IL; and four great-grandchildren: Hunter, Owen, Samantha, and Liam Sprague as well as his two brothers: Richard (Beverly) Smith of Bedford, TX, Kenneth (Patricia) Smith of Mt. Vernon, OH; and sister, Patricia Peirson of Aurora, CO; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kassy on February 24, 2012; son, William C. Smith on October 31, 2006; brothers-in-law: Robert Peirson, Albert Carne, and Joseph Lemmens; and sister-in-law, Jeanne Lemmens. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be 11:00 AM Saturday, July 22, 2017, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church – Marian Chapel at 11:00 AM, with the Reverend Charles D. Hall, pastor, presiding. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION with the family will be from 6-8 PM Friday, July 21, 2017, at The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., (231) 759-8565, with the Rosary prayed at 7:30 PM. There will also be visitation at the church one hour before Mass. MEMORIALS to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Journey of Faith will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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