Obituary: Galen Smith, 78, Ludington.

Galen Smith

Obituary: Galen Smith, 78, Ludington.

Galen Robert Smith, 78, of Ludington went home to be with the Lord on April 4, 2018. He was born October 8, 1939 in Lansing to Robert and Madeline (Shadduck) Smith. Galen’s family moved to Portage when he was young. He graduated from Portage High School at 17 and went into the U.S. Air Force for nine years. He was stationed in Alaska, Goose Bay Labidor, and Texas.

Galen married the love of his life, Paula Lamb in 1965. Together they had three boys and a girl. Galen and Paula moved their family to a farm in Scottville.

Galen loved hunting, fishing, and golf. He worked in construction, building the Ludington Pump Storage and marina and the Ludington Highway. He also went back to Alaska and helped build the pipeline.  Galen was also a Brunswick Bowling Mechanic, realtor, and worked for the Drainage Commissioner in Ludington. He concluded his career life as an over the road trucker, one of his favorite professions.

Galen was happiest when he was running his organic farm until his battle with Alzheimer’s made it impossible.

Galen will be greatly missed by his wife of 52 years, Paula Smith; his sons, Patrick (Leeza) Smith of Ludington, Thomas (Susan) Smith of Scottville, Aron (Erin Vandernott) Smith of Baltimore Maryland; his daughter, Michele (Bruce Helsel) Smith of Cadillac; his grandchildren, Savannah (Ruben) Smith, Kearra Smith, Tommy Smith, Mason and Peyton Frey, Cody (Hannah Pettis) Frey, Sara (Mark Lawerance) Groth, Jody (Troy) Porter, and Jordyn Groth; his great grandchildren, Zack Groth, Ayden Porter, and one on the way; his brothers, Steve (Audrey) Smith, Jeff (Kathie) Smith; and his sister, Marilyn Dempster; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Galen was preceded in death by his in-laws, Clayton and Marilyn Lamb; grandson, Lucas Paul Smith; and brother-in-law, Robin Dempster.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior. Pastor James Peterson will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of Michigan, or the Scottville Senior Center.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Ludington.