Richard H. Smith

Richard H. Smith, 98, of Traverse City and formerly of Lake, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Cherry Hill Haven Assisted Living Facility in Traverse City, surrounded by his family. On June 13, 1924, Richard was born the eldest child of William “Harlo” and Ruth (Cornwell) Smith in Leslie, Michigan. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Josephine Hovey in their hometown of Leslie on September 19, 1942, sharing 61 years of marriage together until the time of her passing in October of 2003. Shortly following their marriage, Richard enlisted and was deployed as a member of the Army Air Corps, 8th Air Force, during WWII. He was a waist gunner on a B-24 bomber flying missions out of England. At the conclusion of the war and Richard’s service, he began his lifelong career in the skilled trades as a patternmaker. In the late 1940s, work—and notably better pheasant hunting—moved the Smiths to the Thomas Township area of Saginaw, where they resided until his retirement from National Pattern in 1981. Following retirement, Rich and Jo moved to Lake, where they enjoyed their time in their wooded haven where Rich also enjoyed gardening, photography, crossword puzzles, and his voracious appetite for books—especially mysteries. However, those who knew Rich best knew that he was most passionate about spending time traveling all over the United States and parts of Europe with Jo. Richard is survived by his children Steven (Sue) Smith of Traverse City and Eric (Sue) Smith of Gaylord, his nine grandchildren Todd, Sheri, Beth, Amy, Christopher, Jason, Shelly, Julie, and Andy, his 15 great-grandchildren, and his five great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Russell (Edna) -- Russell also served in WWII -- of Lake. Besides his wife and parents, Richard was preceded in death by his daughter Carol DeCraene and his siblings Janice McFarland and Douglas Smith. A funeral service in Richard’s honor will take place on Wednesday, November 30, at 12:00 P.M. at the Farwell Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home with Fr. Peter Gaspeny officiating. Friends may visit with the Smith family at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. to the time of service. Burial with military honors will follow services in the Garfield Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor of Richard may be directed to Disabled American Veterans. Online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com.

Richard H. Smith

June 13, 1924 - November 25, 2022