Wayne Smith, 96
Born: Oct. 15, 1915

Died: June 4, 2012

Wayne M. Smith, 96, of Battle Creek, passed away Monday, June 4, 2012, at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence.

He was born Oct. 15, 1915, in Casey, Iowa to Frank E. and Cordelia (Goodwin) Smith

He was a member of the C.C. Camp during the Depression, building roads in northern Michigan. Wayne was employed by the N.Y.C. Railroad for one year and Grand Trunk Railroad for 42 years. He also built many houses as a living.

Wayne was a devoted family man.

He vacationed on Padre Island, Texas, and Diamond Lake in White Cloud.

He taught his family and grandchildren how to water-ski.

He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and was a member of Masonic Lodge 12 for 66 years in Battle Creek.

Wayne is survived by a daughter, Jill (Dave) Strohpaul, of Hampstead, N.C.; a son, Riley (Julie) Smith, of Battle Creek; three grandchildren, Brady Smith, Mark Strohpaul and Keith Strohpaul; several great-grandchildren; a sister, Emily, of Niles; and a brother, Lawrence Smith, of Dowagiac.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gladys, of 52 years.

A graveside service will be held 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Heart Association.

Arrangements are by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, henryfuneralhome.org.