Obituary of Jack Dean Smith

Jack D. Smith, age 85, passed peacefully at home with his family February 22, 2022 in Parchment, Michigan. Jack was born March 18th, 1936 to Charles and Sara Smith in Comstock, Michigan. He graduated valedictorian of Comstock High School in 1954. Jack was married for over 62 years to his loving wife, Evelyn (Reynolds). Their marriage was a light to those that knew them. Jack and Evelyn have 4 children, Jackie (Ibrahim) Kabbani, Kathy (Christopher) Axelson, Michael (Ronda) Smith, and Karen (John) Wunderlin. He was proud of his family, especially his eight grandchildren: Zaynab, Mariam, and Khadijah Kabbani; Andrew, Garrett, and Mitchell Wunderlin; Joshua and Rachel Axelson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Sara and his siblings, (brother) Charles “Dub” Smith, and beloved (sister) Alice Hostetler. After graduating high school, Jack worked with US Plywood in sales and product research. During that time, he served the Army National guard for 6 years, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sargent. Jack loved working with his hands, and began building homes full time in the late 1960’s with his brother and best friend Charles “Dub” Smith. Over the last 40 years, he built over 300 homes. Jack developed lifelong friendships with the people that he worked with and considered them part of his inner circle. He loved to hunt and fish. In the spring, he could be found in his boat trying to catch his ‘limit’ of bluegill. In the fall, he made regular trips to hunt in the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado. After retiring at the age of 80, he was more than content to be on his riding lawn mower or relaxing with Evelyn on their front porch. His Family has found peace through this time in their strong Faith of Jesus Christ. A visitation (luncheon) with family and friends will be Saturday, March 5th, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Haven Church, 5350 N. Sprinkle Road, Kalamazoo, Mi., 49004. Flower deliveries will be accepted beginning at 12:00 PM (noon) at Haven Church. Please visit whitleymemorialfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or share a memory with the family.