Richard Arthur Smith

Richard Arthur “Dick” Smith, 85, of Lawrence passed away from cancer on Monday, April 13, 2020, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. Dick was born Dec. 18, 1934, in Hartford, to William Arthur and Myrtle (Chenery MacLeod) Smith. In 1962, he married Mary Jo Wiles. They were blessed with a long marriage and partnership, working hard to raise four children who survive: Steve (Faith) Smith, Nancy Jo Baker, Mark (Gale) Smith and Debbie (Randy) Simmons; along with six grandchildren. Dick is also survived by two sisters, Myra (Gale) Weberg of Hartford and Sandy (Gary) Curtis of Mattawan. He also leaves behind a very special friend and companion, Bev Brooks. They had known each other since grade school and graduated from high school together. Later in life, they helped each other grieve widowhood.

Dick worked for much of his life as a maintenance supervisor in the canning industry. He also spent time as a farmer and working at the Van Buren Sheriff’s Department. Dick was a member of the FOP 136 and the Hartford Volunteer Fire Department. He was a valued member of the Lawrence community. He served as mayor, as trustee and on the village council and multiple village committees. Dick’s hobbies included hunting and gun collecting. Dick was also very proud of his Scottish heritage. Dick was an active member of the Hartford Methodist Church family and was an active member of the Mason's Lodge 119.

Dick will be cremated. There will be a memorial celebration of Dick’s life at a later date due to the current COVID-19 health concerns. Memorial gifts may be given to the FOP Lodge 136, Paw Paw-Lawton Lodge 25 F&AM, or the Hartford United Methodist Church. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.