Orlo Smith

Orlo James "Jim" Smith, age 85, of Woodland, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids. The son of Orlo and Nettie (Faas) Smith, he was born November 5, 1930 in Lake Odessa. He graduated from Woodland Township School and attended Michigan State College where he studied Ag and grain elevator management. He served in the U.S. Army as a meteorologist during the Korean War. On June 16, 1952 he married Luella Edwins. He lived, farmed and worked in the Woodland area most of his life. His vocations included working at and managing the Woodland Elevator, carpenter, construction and operating his own fertilizer, seed and equipment sales business. In 1982 Jim and Lue moved to Huntsville, Arkansas where they raised beef cattle for many years, before returning to Michigan. He was involved in 4-H and enjoyed his horses and livestock. Jim loved family gatherings and spending time with his family. He had a great sense of humor and always had a good tale to tell the young ones. Surviving are his, wife, Luella; children, Edwin (Deb) Smith of Lake Odessa, Debra (Joel) McDowell of Lake Odessa and Lana (Neil) Perry of Charlotte. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; siblings, John Smith, Jacqueline Dinda, Jack (Betty) Smith and Judy (Doug) MacKenzie; and brother-in-law, Martin Hrebenar. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane (Keith) Ward and grand-daughter Wendy Livermore; parents; in-laws, Glen and Mardie (Wortley) Edwins; sisters, Betty (Charles) Brecheisen, and Lynette Hrebenar; sister-in-law, Margaret Smith; and brother-in-law, Keith Dinda. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Lakewood United Methodist Church, M-50, Lake Odessa. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW, Post 4461, Lake Odessa. Honoring his wishes, cremation will take place. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Orlo Smith, please visit our flower store.