| About |
Gordon Stanley Smith, born April 29, 1937, to Bertram and Helen Smith, died September 9, 2015, at the age of 78, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Gordon is survived by his wife Jean. He was the light of her life for their 36 years of marriage. Gordon is also survived by his son Jeffrey Smith, daughter Carol Coleman, step children Kenneth (Darla), Kelvin (Barb) and Kirk Schaibly and Karen (Tim) Dugan; siblings David (Judy) Smith, Larry Smith, Karen (Timothy) Benally, Lynn Smith, Cynthia (Rodney) Alspaugh and brother-in-law Doug Stanke; sisters-in-law June (Gary) Huffman, Judy Marr, Janyth Sherman, brother-in-law Allen (Judy) Marr; his adored 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by his parents and sister Shirley Stanke. Gordon grew up and attended Haslett Public Schools from 7th grade through graduation and resided in the Haslett area for the remainder of his life. He attended Lansing Community College, earning an Associate's Degree in Business. He started his career with the State of Michigan and retired as the Deputy Director of IT, Department of Agriculture. Gordon was a respected leader and colleague. Gordon and Jean enjoyed traveling and took many memorable trips together. Trips to Scotland, Nova Scotia and Hawaii were vacations enjoyed with family. Together they enjoyed golfing, biking, walking, MSU football games and hosting family holiday get-togethers. Gordon and Jean were very dedicated to their church (Chapel Hill United Methodist Church until its closure approximately 5 years ago), serving on many boards and committees. Gordon particularly loved MSU football and was a member of the MSU Downtown Coaches Club for 31 years. He was very proud of his service as a Marine. Gordon loved God, his family and friends. He was a kind, generous, caring person and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015, at Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Road, Okemos, Michigan, Pastor Rick Blunt officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charities Gordon supported: the Greater Lansing Food Bank, City Rescue Mission and the Alzheimer's Research Association. |
