Edwin MacPherson Smith

Edwin MacPherson Smith, (Mr. Ed), passed away in Kalamazoo on May 6, 2015. He was born in Arlington, MA on October 8, 1919 to DeTrafford and Esther Brigitta (Wassmouth) Smith. After graduation from Lexington, Massachusetts High School in 1937, he moved to Detroit, Michigan. He served his country (Feb. 1941 to Dec. 1945) in the U. S. Army in the 78th coast artillery, the 352nd searchlight battalion, and in the 358th infantry in Europe. Upon discharge from service, he settled in Kalamazoo and was employed in the office of Miller Lumber Co. for 35 years. In 1947 he married Mary Frances Myers at the farm home of her parents in Plainwell, MI and he enjoyed 62 happy years with his wonderful wife Mary Frances (Fran). Survivors include two sons, James (Cathy) Smith of Kalamazoo, Douglas (Pat) Smith of Caledonia, MI and daughter Judith McKee of Jupiter, FL., four grandchildren, Sara (Tim) Scott, Galena, Missouri, Thomas (Corinna) Smith, Jesse McKee, Jupiter, FL, and Michael (Amanda) McKee, Port St. Lucie, FL. Also, six greatgrandchildren, Max Brody Scott and Mary Frances Danielle Scott of Galena, MO, Conor Smith and Banyan Smith, Grand Rapids, MI, Hannah McKee and Kaylee McKee of Port St. Lucie, FL. Nieces Vicki (Mike) O'Hara, Florence, AZ, Sandra (Frank) Colby, Greenwich, NY and nephew Wayne (Mary Anna) Smith , Ann Arbor, MI. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Victor Smith, sister Hilda Smith, niece Diane Parker, and his beloved wife Mary Frances. Ed was a member of Parchment United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where he served as building committee chairperson and various other positions in the church. He enjoyed woodworking and taught a 4-H class for several years, and also served as a boy scout and explorer leader. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the clan MacPherson and was a member of the Kalamazoo Scottish Festival Association and helped to organize the annual Kalamazoo Scottish Festival in Kalamazoo. He was also a member of the Gun River Conservation Club of Plainwell for some years and helped with their programs. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, especially Bob and Thelma Keeler, and driving in the U.S. and Canada. Ed and Fran attended reunions of the 352nd S/L Battalion where they renewed friendships with Ed's army buddies. They spent some time in the winter months in Florida and Texas visiting relatives, and also visited several European countries as well as Alaska and Hawaii. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial service at Parchment United Methodist Church, 225 Glendale Blvd, Parchment, MI, on Thursday, May 21, 2015. Visitation at 10 AM, Memorial Service at 11AM, and lunch following the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts to Parchment United Methodist Church, Hospice of SW MI, or Kairos Dwelling.