Nov. 30, 1945 — Feb. 13, 2018

Wesley Dale Smith, 72, of Decatur, passed away, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Arrangements entrusted to Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes, (269) 926-9440.

Per Wesley’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at the Dowagiac VFW. A private burial will take place at a later date. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for Wesley may do so at Purelycremations.org.

Wesley was born on Nov. 30, 1945, in Dowagiac, to Duane and Norma Jean (Wilds) Smith.

He married the love of his life, Candace Freeze, on July 31, 1974, in Daly, Michigan. Wesley was employed as a machine set-up specialist at Contach in Dowagiac for over 32 years.

He enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting, fishing and socializing with friends. Wesley was lead singer and bass guitar player in his own band performing in Dowagiac, Niles and Barron Lake. Most of all, he was a devoted husband and family man. When his girls were younger, he loved taking the family on vacations to Rice Lake in Canada. Wesley blessed his grandchildren by teaching them how to cook and enjoy the simple things in life.

Wesley is survived by his wife, Candy; daughters, Christy Smith of Decatur and Julie Marie Smith of Bangor, MI; son, Scott (Dawn) Smith of Salisbury, North Carolina; step-daughters, Dianna and Rebecca Moore; step-son, Carey Moore; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sandy (Raymond) Dings of Holland, Michigan and Sharon Clouse and Shirley (Bob) Unger both of Dowagiac; and daughter-in-law, Betsy Smith of Salisbury, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Norma; son, Kenny Smith and step-son, Donnie Moore.