Karl M. Smith

Karl Milburn Smith
(December 26, 1941 – January 6, 2026)
Born 19 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Karl came into the world to his parents, Harold and Alberta, his older sisters, Marguerite, Arlene, Elaine, Dorothy, Christina (Chris), and his older brother, Roger. Through his education and skill trades, he gained a lot of experience, including his time in the military and his job at General Motors in Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1970 until 1993 when he retired from there.
Karl pursued interests in getting his pilot's license, his joining the Cub Scouts through his two sons, David and Andy, instructing CPR training as a skill lesson, joining the Civil Air Patrol, while going on rescue missions, and can't forget to mention his fascination with tractors (John Deere brand only). Karl met his future wife, Dana C. VanDeusen, down at his future father-in-law's house, while she was pulling nails out of boards; he knew she was a keeper.
His two sons appreciate all of the time they had with him along with learning many skills and general knowledge. His many nieces and nephews were never forgotten and brought up often in conversation.
Through his sense of humor, storytelling, love of nature, photography, his love of travel around the country, the Mackinac Bridge annual walk, as well as history, oldies music, westerns, boat rides, and the Peanuts comic strip, makes for a well-rounded individual whose life will live on through his family and all of the land his parents purchased so long ago.
Karl's family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Hickory Corners Bible Church, where his funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at East Hickory Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Hickory Corners Bible Church will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Karl's family.