Brandon E. Smith

1990 - 2022

Brandon Edward Smith, residing in Coloma, passed away Monday morning, March 28, 2022, surrounded with love, at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph, following a six-month illness.

He was 31 years old.

He was born April 11, 1990, in Berrien Center, the son of Brett and Linda Bartholomei Smith, and has remained a lifelong resident of this area.

On March 16, 2022, in St. Joseph, Brandon was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lauren Baldwin, who survives. Also surviving are two sons: Max Tyler Baldwin and Miles Cooper Smith, both at home; his momma, Linda Smith of Coloma; his Pops, Brett A. Smith of Stevensville; a sister, Danea Smith of Watervliet; and two brothers: Bradley Smith of Coloma, and Joshua (Ashley) Smith of Paducah, Ky. Also surviving Brandon is his maternal grandmother, Gloria Bartholomei of St. Joseph; his mother-in-law, Kendi (Jeremy) Henley of St. Joseph; and father-in-law, Kenneth Baldwin of Princeton, Ill. Also surviving is his big, goofy and loving dog, Moose; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Brandon will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Martin Bartholomei; and paternal grandparents: Peggy and Ken Stutzman.

Brandon was employed as a HVAC Technician with City Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning of St. Joseph. He was a member of the Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC Union Local 357. He loved to go fishing, golfing, kayaking, camping, monster truck shows, car shows, crazy spontaneous roads trips, sky diving, driving real race cars on tracks, sand dune rides, mud bogging, and hanging out with friends and family. He mostly loved hanging out with his son, Max.

Brandon was a one-of-a-kind guy. He told it like it was. He was real, funny, the life of the party and he kept everyone smiling and laughing. Brandon was a ray of sunshine to many. He was an encourager, supporter, and a great mentor to many. He had a heart of gold, and would help anyone who needed it, without asking for anything in return. Brandon was a great friend to everyone, going to all events rain or shine.

Brandon became an ordained minister so he could marry his oldest brother, Josh. He was a fighter, he fought so hard and was incredibly strong and positive throughout his cancer and radiation treatments, and throughout the last few months of blindness.

Brandon pursued all options for treatment, until all options were exhausted. He navigated through all his trials and tribulations with such positivity and strength: that's a true fighter! We've experienced a loss that will leave our lives forever changed.

A celebration of life gathering will be from 5-9 p.m. on Monday, April 11, at Arclight Brewing Co., 544 N. Main St., Watervliet.

Contributions in memory of Brandon may be offered to the family directly or c/o Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, W 46615. The Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel, South Bend, Ind., is assisting the Smith family with arrangements.