Cecil E. Smith

Cecil E. Smith, 91, of Battle Creek, died Friday evening, April 5, 2013 at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Quinwood, West Virginia on September 26, 1921, the son of James Howard and Stella May (Ham) Smith. A decorated War Hero, Cecil faithfully served his country as a Sgt. in the United States Army and Gen. George S. Patton's Third Army during WWII, spending almost three months in a German POW camp. He retired from Clark Equipment after many years of service as an Inspector and Union Steward for the AFLCIO.

Cecil married Blanche Marie Smith in Battle Creek on December 12, 1987; she survives. He is also survived by his children, Sandy (Larry) Hassenzahl, Judy (Jerry) Ritter, Ron (Linda) Smith, Randy (Margaret) Forman, Bob (Kim) Forman, and Julie (Steve) Franklin; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, James (Delores) Smith, and 3 sisters, Roxie Casto, Viola (Robert) Getman, and Marie Dancy. Cecil was preceded in death by his first wife, Lydia Smith; his parents, and a brother, Roy Edward Smith.

Cecil was a longtime member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Battle Creek and a dedicated member of the NRA. A true outdoorsman and lover of nature, he enjoyed spending time at his cabin up north, hunting, fishing and various types of guns and archery. Cecil also enjoyed carving and woodworking, playing his guitar and harmonica, but he truly loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where funeral services to celebrate Cecil's life will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 11, 2013 with Pastor Bruce Kintigh of Trinity United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Legion Villa of Battle Creek or the Trinity United Methodist Church.