William F. Smith
Delton
William F. Smith, age 87, passed away May 14, 2018, at Borgess Hospital after a brief illness. William was born February 13, 1931 in Delton; the son of William G. and Mary E. (Given) Smith. A 1949 graduate of Delton Kellogg High School, William enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served during the Korean War. William graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1953 and earned the rank of Captain. In 1954, William returned to Delton to operate the family business, the Smith and Doster Ford Dealership. In 1961, he was recalled to active duty and proudly served his country again. William was president of the Barry County Telephone Company for many years and served as a trustee on the Barry Township Board. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Barry Township Police Department. William was part of the organizing, building, and operating of the Delton Area Senior Housing, which provides housing opportunities to many. William was a charter member and the last charter member of the Delton V.F.W. Post 422. William loved farming, helping his family build and remodel their homes, hunting, fishing, tinkering; as he could build or fix anything, and mowing his lawn. William will also be remembered as an excellent baseball pitcher. On March 27, 1954, he married Patricia Finnegan, who survives. Other members of his family include their children: Denise Herbert, Kathleen (James) Haralson, William Michael (Janice) Smith, Susan (Mitchell) Martindale, and Pati (Don) Smith, grandchildren: Shannon, Kirsten, Brenna, Zachary, Naomi, Alex, Tiffany, Katie, Riley, Shane, Kelley, Hannah, Brogan, Gillian and Grady, great grandchildren: Haydon, Clara, Harper, Evelyn, Will, Audrey, Brice and Hazel, and several nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Dale Smith and a grandson: Nicholas Smith. A private family service will be conducted at a later date. Memorial contributions to the William Smith Park in care of Barry Township will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for William’s family. Arrangements by Williams-Gores Funeral Home, Delton
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