Thomas Franklin Smith, 81, of Coldwater, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Select Specialty Hospital in Battle Creek. He will be honored in a private graveside ceremony with military honors. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00-4:00 PM on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 4-H Cabin at the Branch County Fairgrounds(east side), 262 S. Sprague Street, Coldwater, MI 49036.
Tom was born on March 24, 1938 in Coldwater, MI to William and Berniece (Draper) Smith. After graduating from Coldwater High School in 1956, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy, were he served on the U.S.S. Hornet II. During the Vietnam era, he traveled to Japan and was stationed in San Francisco, CA. He was proud of his service and was a member of Coldwater American Legion Post #52 and Orland, IN American Legion Post #423. Except for a couple of years spent in Crystal River, FL, Tom lived in Coldwater all his life. He worked as a shipping clerk at Shaw Shoe and tended bar at Lefty’s.
In 1968, Tom married Janet Wagner, but the marriage ended in divorce. He married Shirley Gundrum in 1992, but she preceded him in death in 2009. Tom enjoyed working on cars and bikes, playing cards and spending time with family. He especially loved his grandbabies. He was a kind-hearted, gentle soul. His genuineness and happy-go-lucky outlook led to him having many friends.
Survivors include Tom’s daughter, Michelle Smith of Coldwater; grandchildren Victoria (Christopher) Owens of Arkansas, Michael (April) Dyson of Coldwater and Kaleb (Jayme) Dyson of Coldwater; great-grandchildren Markus and Oliver Owens of Arkansas and Connor Dyson of Coldwater; a sister, Betty Noble of Coldwater; several nieces and nephews; and his first wife, Janet Woods.
In addition to his wife, Shirley, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert E. Smith; and an infant brother, Keith William Smith.
Memorial donations are suggested to the family.
