Darwin E. Smith

Darwin E. Smith, born on August 30, 1937, in Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on May 31, 2025, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.

Darwin was a cherished husband to his beloved wife, Camilla “Cam”, and a devoted family man, a role he embraced wholeheartedly throughout his life. He was a proud father, leaving behind a legacy of love through his children: Tim (Alice) Smith of Grand Ledge, Tamara (Dennis) Boutwell of Bath, Todd Smith of Delta Township, Troy (Melissa) Smith of Delta Township, and Traci (Raul) Felman of Lansing. Additionally, he was a grandfather to six grandchildren; Justin (Sarah), Jason, Joshua (Lily), Kyle, Kelsey, Jonathan; a great-grandfather to six great-grandchildren; Kaidan, Cameron, Owen, Camilla, Collins, and Charlotte who will all carry forward his spirit and values. Darwin also leaves behind his sister, Pat (Butch) Carter; sisters-in-law, Isabel Viges and Joanie Schrauben; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Darwin found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved taking daily walks with the "Three Amigos" through the neighborhood, immersing himself in nature while nurturing his passion for gardening and tending to his flowers. His love for family extended through phone conversations with his sister, Pat, which brought him much happiness. Friends and family knew him as someone who could enjoy a lively game of trivia while watching Jeopardy or find pleasure in the familiarity of Wheel of Fortune. He had a particular fondness for western television programs and movies, alongside the excitement of visiting the casino.

Darwin is predeceased by his parents, Nelson Smith and Anna Smith; siblings, Louise (Don) Hamilton, Bob (Betty) Smith, and Marilyn (Dick) Fedewa; brothers-in-law, Enza Viges, Maurice Dershem, Peter Schrauben, Larry Bradbury, Steve Motz, Mike (Shirley) Motz; sisters-in-law, Gwen Dershem, Mary Bradbury; parents-in-law, Herman and Magdalan (Arens) Motz. He leaves behind a loving family, along with cherished memories and the mark he made in the hearts of those who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Catholic Community of St. Jude’s on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Bob Irish celebrating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 3 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the church with the rosary being prayed at 6:30 P.M. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Fowler.

Those desiring may make contributions in Darwin's memory to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org