Dean Earl Smith, August 23, 1938 – November 30, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dean Smith, loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.
Dean Smith was born on August 23, 1938, in Mio, Michigan to William Smith and Verle (Steiner) Smith. He was a devoted husband to Mary for 63 years, and loving father to William Smith, Tammy (Steven) Brucki, Bonnie (Jack) Leffew, and Lisa (Brian) Dabbs. Dean grew up as a country boy, but moved to the city to pursue a fulfilling career. He became a very skilled welder and supervisor and dabbled in many trades. Dean loved tinkering with machinery and was fond of the outdoors. He was always in his garden,
whittling, or hiking through the woods, whistling like a songbird the entire time. He had no interest in modern technology and mostly enjoyed the simpler things in life, such as camping, canoeing, fishing, and hunting. Dean had strong family ties with all members of his family and treasured spending time with his brothers. He cherished the Amish and their values and made many friends within the community. Dean would never deny a helping hand to someone in need or pass on the opportunity to have a conversation.
He was selfless, kind, caring, and 29 at heart. He made friends wherever he went and will be deeply missed by many.
Dean is survived by his daughters: Tammy (Steven) Brucki, and Bonnie (Jack) Leffew; Grandchildren: Lisa (David) Longton, Heather (Charles) Francis, Brian Dabbs, Matthew (Katherine) Brucki, Jessica Brucki (Rickie Hebert), Jamie Brucki, William Smith, Nicolette (Smith) Porter, Mary (Roger) Sutherland, David Smith, and Brandon Dabbs; Brothers: Bruce (Theresa) Smith and Dale (Marilynn) Smith; Great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Pendrick) Smith, his daughter Lisa (Brian)
Dabbs, his son William Smith, his brother Bill Smith, and his brother Harold Smith
His memorial service will be held Saturday December 16, 2023 at Comins Community
Church in Comins Township at 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral procession to Fairview Cemetery, where Dean and his wife Mary (Pendrick) Smith will be laid in their final resting place. Afterward, there will be a luncheon back at Comins Community Church, and all are welcome to attend.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.
