Wayne Paul Smith, age 78, of Adrian, died early Friday morning, February 6, 2026, surrounded by family at Hospice of Lenawee. Born July 9, 1947, in Marquette, MI, he was the son of the late John and Betty (Savard) Smith.
After graduating from Bishop Baraga Catholic High in Marquette in 1965, Wayne pursued higher education to become a teacher and ultimately received a master’s degree in American history from Eastern Michigan University. He married the former Peg Sullivan on October 19, 1968, in Marquette. Together they raised a son and daughter and celebrated over 57 years of love and memories.
Wayne and Peg moved to the community after he accepted a teaching position at Adrian Public Schools in 1971, and served as a history teacher for 40 years before his retirement in 2012. He proudly coordinated annual school trips for the students to Washington, D.C. Wayne was an active parishioner of Holy Family Parish, St. Mary’s Campus in Adrian, where he often volunteered his time with various ministries and activities. Wayne served on the Madison Charter Township Board for over 20 years. He often visited the sick in local nursing homes and enjoyed visiting with them. He was an avid Euchre player and belonged to the Newcomer group. His greatest joy came from being in the company of his family, especially his grandchildren whom he adored.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Peg, is a son, Matthew (Andrea) Smith; daughter, Jennifer (Matthew) Werstein; siblings, Richard (Debie) Smith, Charmaine (Robert) Erickson, Linda Smith, and Scott (Sarah) Smith; three grandchildren, Ashley (Jacob) Bauer, Andrew Werstein, and Emily Werstein; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 until a prayer vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Tom Helfrich, OSFS on Thursday, February 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, St. Mary’s Campus in Adrian. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Adrian.
Memorial contributions may be given to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to St. Mary Food Pantry. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.