Stewart R. "Stu" Smith

SMITH, Stewart R. "Stu"
Kalamazoo, Michigan Stewart "Stu" Ralph Smith, age 72, passed away Wednesday morning, September 24, 2014 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. He was born on September 24, 1942 in Kalamazoo, MI a son of Ralph and Geraldine Mapes Smith and had been a lifelong area resident. He attended Calvin College and graduated from Western Michigan University. In September of 1964, Stu became the first person hired by Ship-Pac where he continued to work until his recent retirement. Stu was a member of Third Christian Reformed Church where he served on the church council. He was also involved with many community organizations including the Kalamazoo Christian School Association, Junior Achievement and Rotary. While attending Calvin College, Stu met and fell in love with Lois Spanninga and they were married in August of 1964. Stu was preceded in death by: his parents, a step mother, Elizabeth Smith, a brother, Douglas Smith and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Zoodsma. Surviving are: his wife of 50 years, Lois; a son and his wife, James and Emily Smith of Rochester, NY; two grandsons, Kevin and Trevor Smith; a brother and his wife, Brad and Becky Smith of Comstock; two sisters-in law, Nancy and Tim Perry of Grand Ledge and Judy and Andy Schickel of Grand Rapids; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held from 5pm to 8pm Friday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. Services will be held 11:00 Saturday morning at Third Christian Reformed Church, 2400 Winchell Ave, with Rev. Dr. Kenneth Baker, officiating. Private interment services will be held in Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Third Christian Reformed Church, Kalamazoo Christian School Association or the American Cancer Society.