LaVerne C. Smith

Laverne Coral Smith, "Smitty", age 76, of Caledonia, died at home Monday, August 1, 2016, surrounded by friends and family.  He was born in 1939, in Lansing, MI, to Merle and Bernice Smith-McPherson. After graduating, Laverne married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Bowers, and began working for Michigan Bell. No one who met Laverne ever forgot his passion for fishing, cribbage or a lively game of euchre. His inventive nature kept him always on the lookout for his next enterprise. When not busy with his inventions, he spent time sharing his many adventurous stories with any who would listen. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Bruce Smith; and sisters, Judy Smith and Leslie Crosby. He is survived by his brother, Arlen Smith; his sister, Maureen McPherson; his children, Kym Smith and his wife, Linda; Bryan Smith and his wife, Lisa; Eric Smith and his wife, Cindy; his daughter, Gwyn Smith; his grandchildren, Michael (Kelly) Smith, Melissa (Aaron) Balogh, Kymberly Smith, Matthew Smith, Rachel (Nick) Thaler, Joel Smith, Caitlin Smith, David Smith, Rachelle Smith, Benjamin Smith, Timothy Smith; and six great grandchildren.  Memorial contributions may be sent to Healing Eyes, Inc., https://healingeyes.org. Memorial services for Laverne will be held Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 4 pm at the American Legion Post #305, 9548 Cherry Valley SE, Caledonia.