Obituary of John Smith

John Henderson Smith September 23, 1925 - July 5, 2010 John Henderson Smith age 84 of Monroe, Michigan, passed away at 3:13am Monday, July 5, 2010, at the Toledo Hospital surrounded by his family. A native of Tazewell, Tennessee, he was born on September 23, 1925, the son of the late Hence Smith and the late Dovie (Bull) Smith. He was a longtime resident of Monroe, Michigan. John was a loyal friend and neighbor, was very faithful and active in his church, was a devoted brother and uncle, and was a member of the Masons and Shriners Monroe Lodge No. 27. He was a US Army veteran of World War II. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Eula (Licklighter) Smith. The couple had been married 51 years at the time of her death in 2002. He is survived by sisters Ely Cook and Vasey Cunningham of Tennessee, brothers T. H. Smith of Tennessee and Hollis C. Smith and Dewey Smith of Ohio. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces and by a wealth of friends. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by parents: Hence and Dovie Smith; two brothers: Dester Smith and Tim Smith; and one sister: Versie Bowman. Friends may gather at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. until a Masonic Service at 7:00p.m. He will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am, Thursday, July 8, 2010 at the Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church, 225 West Hurd Road. The Rev. B. J. McDaniel pastor of the church will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for graveside services which will be under the auspices of the Monroe VFW Post 1138. John was loved by all who knew him, and his warm inviting smile will forever be missed. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church.