John G. Smith

John G. Smith, age 98, of Gobles, went peacefully into the arms of Our Lord December 28, 2024 in Kalamazoo, MI. John was born in Kalamazoo to Duane and Opal Smith on November 3, 1926. He learned early the value of farming and carried that work ethic throughout his life. John enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and served in the Pacific Theatre, on the transport carrier USS Audrain, as a baker. He met his wife Jane Watkin in the summer of 1948, and married her September 25, 1948. They set up their home in Gobles, eventually moving to the 25-acre farm where he raised cattle and crops. He was employed for a short time at Mentha Plantation and then worked over 30 years at A. M. Todd Company in Kalamazoo, MI. He spent many years with family and friends square dancing, snowmobiling, and hunting with his buddies in the Upper Peninsula. John retired in 1988 and did woodworking in his retirement, and became an expert scroll and intarsia wood worker. He generously gifted many of his creations to his family, friends, numerous fire stations and his legacy is known globally. He and Jane spent many of their retirement years in Florida. John can best be described as a gentle loving family man. He adored his wife, loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known for his zingers and one liners and his humor remained with him to his last breath. Surviving are his children, John (Diane) Smith, Calvin (Lori) Smith, Todd (Tyna) Smith all of Gobles, and Julia (Lonnie) Jones of Charlotte; 8 grandchildren, Ryan (Vi) Smith, Jereme (Sarah) Smith, Garrett (Julie) Smith, Justin (Jacqueline) Smith, Mitchell (Casey) Smith, Kyle Smith, Paula (Scott) Stanton, Carter (Kirsten) Jones; 16 great grandchildren; sister, Betty Overacker of Mattawan; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane in 2011; 2 brothers, Duane Smith Jr., Harold Smith and 2 sisters, Gilberta Evans, Joan Smith. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will meet friends on Friday, Jan. 3rd from 11:00 AM until 12:00 noon at the Gobles United Methodist Church, where the memorial service will be 12 noon. Interment will be at a later time at Fort Custer Cemetery, Augusta, MI. The family suggests memorials be made to the Gobles Public School Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the D.L.Miller Funeral Home, Gobles Chapel.

John G. Smith

November 3, 1926 - December 28, 2024