Joseph "Joe" Smith

Joseph "Joe" Smith born February 4, 1929 to Stanley and Cecile (Stearns) Smith of Alanson, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family, and his wife Ellamae, the love of his life.

Joe and Ellamae along with their children and grandchildren celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary, Saturday, April 8, 2017 at their home. The day was spent sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.

Joe was the third generation to live and grow up on the family farm "Bonnieview" located in Alanson, Michigan on Smith Road. The farm was homesteaded in 1884 by his Grandparents, Joseph and Isabella Smith. Stanley (the second generation) and wife Cecile, Joe's parents lived on and continued to farm Bonnieview.

Joe married Ellamae G. Jones on April 8, 1950 in Petoskey, Michigan. Joe and Ellamae spent their married life farming Bonnieview where they raised their five children; the fourth generation of Smith's.

Today Joe's son Ken continues the family heritage farming with his son Frank E., the fifth generation and his grandson's Connor and Ryder, the sixth generation to live on the farm.

Joe was a long-time member of the Church of the Nazarene in Alanson. He was a school board member for 23 years at Alanson Littlefield Public School. Joe worked at Michigan Maple Block and McLaughlin's in Petoskey.

His greatest joys were raising his family and watching his grandchildren grow. He loved farming, raising cattle, and driving the tractor.

He is survived by his wife, Ellamae; 5 children, Ken (Sue) Smith, Cherlyn Scott. Karen (Don) Beck, Cecilia (Rich) Rapin, and Sam Smith; 8 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Cecile; his brothers, Wilbur and Ivile; his sisters, Carolyn and Janet; twin sister, Jean; son-in-law, Russell.

He was a respected and much loved member of the community and loved the Lord, his family and church. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him!

There will be a memorial service Monday, April 17, 2017 at the Alanson Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 a.m. with a one hour visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alanson Church of the Nazarene.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey.

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