Earl Smith

1930 - 2023

Earl Smith
Earl R. Smith passed away peacefully on October 23rd, 2023 after a full and adventurous life. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Theodore (Ted) and Mary (Scheidler) Smith on March 13, 1930, he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, where he met his future wife, Althea Rautenberg, in 1948. Earl graduated from the University of Illinois-Champaign where he received both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Engineering.
Earl and Thea were married on November 29, 1952 in Elmhurst, Illinois and celebrated their 70th anniversary last year. After finishing his Master's work, Earl was conscripted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Toledo, OH for two years during the Korean Conflict. Upon being discharged, Earl went to work for The Dow Chemical Company and his 35-year career took them to Midland (MI), The Netherlands, Texas, Chile, Brazil and California
Earl and Thea retired in Arizona, where he continued to play various sports, travel, patronize the arts and engage in a variety of projects and endeavors. To escape the heat, they summered in Michigan where he also enjoyed boating.
Survivors include: a sister, Marilu Anderson of Mauston, WI; a son, Greg (Beth) Smith of South Carolina; and a daughter, Rebecca (Kurt) Faust of Michigan. He has five grandchildren: Ashley Smith of Missouri; Christian Smith of South Carolina; Daniel (Chessie) Smith of Kentucky; Alex (Ally) Faust of Michigan; and Andrea (Alex) DeVries of Michigan. In addition, he has four great-grandchildren.
His beloved Thea predeceased Earl by 76 days A Memorial Service for both Earl & Thea will be held on Friday, November 10th at 10AM MST in The Church at Litchfield Park, AZ.
Donations in Earl's memory can be sent to:
Recycle of Mecosta County
424 N. 4th Ave.
Big Rapids, MI 49307
www.recyclemecosta.org