Obituary of Elmer Smith

Elmer Gene Smith was born on July 15, 1929 in Blakey, Kentucky from the marriage of Stewart Smith and Detta (Taulbee) Smith. He attended school in the hills of Kentucky but began work at an early age. He enlisted in the United States Army on January 22, 1947 in Dearborn, Michigan. As a Private First Class, Gene was assigned to the Military Police detachment. He served honorably and was discharged on June 25, 1948 at the Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington D.C. On February 23, 1956 he married his true love Iona Sherbert in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Gene worked many jobs as a laborer mostly in the manufacturing industry. At the age of twenty-five Gene began to lose his eyesight. Although he eventually became blind he never lost sight of the most important thing in life; FAMLIY. He had a special love for his children and especially his grandchildren. Fishing became a passionate hobby. Along the way Elmer and Iona became the parents of three wonderful children; a daughter: Kathy Proffitt and son-in-law Jerry of Newport; a son: Randy Smith of Milford; and a son: "Kevin" Terry Smith of Detroit. These children would provide him the incredible joy of five beautiful grandchildren: Randy Smith, Nicole Smith, Jessica Lynch, Katelyn Proffitt, and Jacob Proffitt. Iona passed away in February of 1996. In the fall of that year Gene moved from Redford to Monroe to be closer to his daughter. On Tuesday, October 28, Elmer "Gene" Smith age 79 passed peacefully at his daughters' home. In addition to his children and grandchildren his memory will be cherished by his two sisters: Sara "Sherry" Major of Florida and Janet Counts of Cummings, Georgia. His passing was preceded by his parents and brothers, Price and Sonny Smith. Friends are invited to a Gathering from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185. The Rev. Jim Schenck Chaplain of Heartland Hospice and Homecare will officiate. Military services will follow and be under the auspices of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138 in Monroe. Cremation has taken place through Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, Michigan. For those desiring Gifts of Love are suggested to the wishes of the Smith family. Online words of inspiration and comfort may be sent to www.merklefuneralservice.com; Life Stories page.