Louis "Louie" Baker Smith Obituary (1926 - 2010)

Age 84 passed peacefully in hospice care at his home with his family by his side on Thursday, October 21, 2010. Born May 23, 1926 and raised in Eaton Rapids and in later years retired to Manistee spending winters in Arizona. Louis is survived by his wife of 64 years Geraldine (Gerry), sons James (Jan) Smith, Reg (Pam) Smith, daughter Dusty Sue (Reg) Hamilton, 7 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren. Survived by brother George (Shirley) Smith, Sister Linda (Cliff) Kivinen and Harold Rose. Louis was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bruce and sister Elizabeth. He is a World War II Navy veteran serving aboard the USS Gladiator (AM-319) in the south Pacific. He is a life member of VFW post 2406, and Masonic Lodge #63. Member of DAV and American Legion. Louis retired from Consumers Energy in 1981. He became a private pilot after the war; Louie enjoyed salmon fishing, and motor cycle riding in Arizona. He was a man of integrity with a very friendly personality, once a friend always a friend. Funeral services will be Monday, October 25, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Stephen Klink, officiating. Burial will follow in the Bunker Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Charlotte VFW. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8PM with a Masonic Memorial Service at 8:00 P.M. Family suggest memorial contributions be directed to Sparrow Hospice in memory of Louie Smith.