Thomas Smith

Thomas “Marty” Smith, 75, of St. Joseph, passed away, Sunday, April 19, 2015 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. Private family services were held.  A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place Wednesday, April 22, 2015 from 4 until 7:00 P.M. at Santaniello’s Glenlord Restaurant & Pizzeria 2262 W. Glenlord Rd., Stevensville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice at Home or Lory’s Place.  Those wishing to sign Marty’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Marty was born March 21, 1940 in Lebanon, Indiana to Wallace & Esther (Martin) Smith.  He attended Butler University where he was active in sports-basketball, football & baseball.  After Butler he joined the US Army and played baseball on the Army team while stationed in Germany.  Marty married the former Patricia J. Gullion and started his career with Metropolitan Insurance Company, most recently in the Benton Harbor office before retiring.  Marty was an avid golfer with 11 holes in one to his credit, until his health forced him to give up the game he loved.  He especially enjoyed working with the youth of the community through North Lincoln Baseball, Youth Football with the YMCA and the Bitty Bears. Marty is survived by his wife Patty; two sons-Chad (Paula) Smith of Kenilworth, IL, Jason (Tracy) Smith of Deerfield, IL; five grandchildren-Maxwell, Alexandria, Quinn, Zoe & Cooper; his brother Kenneth (Mary Louise) Smith of Florida; brothers & sisters in law-Al (Myra) Gullion, Cal Gullion, Susan Mann; and very special nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.