Douglas “Doug” Wayne Smith, age 81, of Adrian, Michigan, died late Monday evening, August 26, 2024, at Adrian Bay Rehab and Nursing Center under the care of Hospice of Lenawee.
Doug was born on July 25, 1943, in Mason, Michigan, the third of Carlton F. and Leona A. (Danby) Smith’s four children. After high school Doug went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at the General Motors Institute in Flint, MI.
On August 22, 1964, Doug married Barbara C. Duncan in Lansing, MI and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. During their marriage, Doug and Barbara raised 3 children and grew in faith and love.
Over the years, Doug has worked as an automotive engineer for several automotive companies. He retired from Ford Motor Company after 25 years of dedicated service. He has always had an interest in radio-controlled planes and building various models and trains. Doug and Barbara traveled all over the Unites States and enjoyed taking the family on camping adventures. Doug has been an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Adrian. Family was always the center of Doug’s life, and he treasured the roles of husband, father and grandfather.
In addition to his wife, Doug is survived by their children, Laura (Jim) Radke, Jeffrey (Sherry) Smith and Kathleen (Shaun) Pawlus; grandchildren, Michelle (Scott) Coleman, Chelsea Radke, Nick (Kathryn) Smith, Abbie Smith and Casey Pawlus; one great-granddaughter, Audrey Smith; and siblings, Roger Smith and Vicki Zaikowski. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Fred Smith; sister-in -law, Judy Smith and brother-in-law, Jerry Smith.
A memorial service for Doug will be held on September 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Adrian, with Pastor Joel Sarrault officiating; visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the service begins. There will be a luncheon following the service and burial will take place directly afterwards at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in his memory.
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