Described as a loving man, there was no doubt that Alfred Smith loved his family. He placed them at the center of his heart, and in the forefront of his

life. In all he did, they came first. A devoted husband, dedicated father, grandfather, brother and friend, Al was also a proud Veteran who valiantly served his country. He shared many wartime stories with his family which will be carried down through generations. Although he is sadly missed, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

The story of Alfred Smith began long ago in the country of England when a dashing guard at the Buckingham Palace named Merton Smith met and fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Edith Harding. With hopes of a promising future, the two soon married and began a family. With two children in tow and one on the way, they set sail for America seeking all the land had to offer. They settled in the town of Reed City, Michigan, an area rich with agriculture. It was an exciting time in the

nation’s history, and the times afforded young emigrants like Merton and Edith much to be thankful for.

It was the heyday of the Roaring Twenties and excitement filled the air. In the political sector, women won the right to vote and prohibition took affect. A medical milestone that year was cause for celebration when insulin was first used to treat diabetes. However, nothing in the headlines could compare to the excitement felt by Merton and Edith when on November 22, 1922 they welcomed the birth of a baby boy whom they lovingly named Alfred.

Shortly after Alfred’s birth they packed up and moved to the Vicksburg area where they raised their family. Alfred, Al, or Alfie as he was often called, was the third of eventually eleven children in the Smith household. His father worked as an carpenter for most of his life but also worked for International Paper Company for a few years; while his mother remained at home caring for the children. The years during the Depression brought about hardship for many

families like Al’s, and many sacrifices were made just to get by. However, with farming and a large household, idle time was few and far between for Al and his siblings. He experienced many adventures growing up and attended the local schools. He went on to graduate from Vicksburg High School in 1941.

Having graduated during the tumultuous times of World War II, Al was in his prime for duty. He served from 1942 to1945 in the Air Force as a nose gunner on a B-17, also known as a Flying Fortress. He went on 31 bombing missions and on his 23rd mission he participated in the forever remembered D-Day Mission, June 12. In retrospect, the actual mission was first planned to take place a week earlier, but the clouds were too thick and they would have missed their targets. A decorated airman, Al earned numerous medals which included the Distinguished Flying Cross, European, African, and Middle Eastern Theater Ribbons, four Bronze Stars, one Overseas Service Bar, the Good Conduct and Air Medals, as well as three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. His service defending our country included the Battles over Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, and Rhineland. Upon his honorable discharge, Al ranked as a Staff Sergeant.

Throughout the war Al had his heart set on a sweet gal back home. He met Ione Jacobs at several family events through her stepfather, who was also Al’s uncle. They were blessed in marriage just prior to the war’s end on

November 22, 1944. Lest he forget, Al would always remember the date as they were married on his

birthday! Together they soon welcomed children into their lives when Robert and Alfred “Eddie”

came along. They had a baby girl, too, but she was sadly stillborn.

Making their home in Vicksburg, Al supported his family with his work at the Upjohn

Company. From 1945 until retiring in 1985, he served as a Lead Operator in the Fine

Chemical Division. Besides his family and work, Al enjoyed and took interest in many things. He enjoyed bowling and when he was younger liked fishing and hunting. A

tried and true Detroit Tigers and Lions fan, he never liked missing

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one of their games on TV. As a collector of coins and stamps, he recently began collecting state quarters. Al was an outgoing and personable fellow, and was quite social. He held membership in the

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 526 and as a proud Veteran, the Portage VFW Post 5855. While he enjoyed time with friends and the company of others, he always placed the needs of his family first and foremost. He loved them immensely and there was no place he’d rather be than surrounded by those he loved.

Alfred E. Smith, age 87 of Kalamazoo, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2010. His family includes his wife, Ione; son, Alfred “Eddie” (Ruby) Smith of Kalamazoo; eight

grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Shirley Smith of GA; three siblings: Roy Smith of SC, Carl (Ruth) Smith of FL, and Vera (Roger) Kniss; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Smith, stillborn daughter, and seven siblings: John Smith, Charles Smith, Betty Jane Smith, LaVerne Smith, Cora Lipka, Mildred Loosier, and Florence Noel.

Al’s family will receive friends on Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 2-5 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697). Funeral services will be held on Monday, 11:00 AM at the same location. Please visit Alfred’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to submit a memory or favorite photo or to sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 526, or a charity of choice.