AGE: 81
SMITH, Ralph “Smitty” McKinley, Jr.
State Street
Paw Paw
Passed away Saturday afternoon, November 15, 2003 at LakeView Community Hospital, in Paw Paw. Smitty was born August 23, 1922 in Springfield, MO. the son of the late Ralph M. and Ada (Rader) Smith, Sr. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School in Springfield, MO. and served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. He was employed as a telephone switchman for 38 years with Tri-County Phone Company which became G.T .E. when he retired in 1985. He was a member of the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, American Legion, McGowan-Johnson Post # 68, Paw Paw and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker Local #131, Kalamazoo. On October 31, 1942 in South haven, Smitty was united in marriage to the former Fern E. Gibson who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Michael Terry (Bonnie) Smith of Schaumburg, IL. and Kevin McKinley Smith of Paw Paw; 2 granddaughters, Lisa (Keith) Wilburn of Lockport, IL. and Sharon Smith of Schaumburg, IL; 2 sisters, Evelyn Rader of Branson, MO. and Donna Ficke of Austin, TX; 2 brothers, James Smith of Hollister, MO., and Loren T. Smith of York, PA; several nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, 11 a.m. at Poplar Hill Cemetery in Allegan. Memorial contributions may be made to, Paw Paw United Methodist Church. Arrangements by the ADAMS Funeral Home, Paw Paw.. Share a memory or condolence on line at www.timeformemory.com/adams
