Obituary of Christopher Smith

Christopher D. Smith was born in Monroe on March 4, 1963. He was one of three children born from the union of Dean and Mary Lou (Jacobi) Smith. Chris attended Mason Consolidated Schools where he earned his GED. For many years Chris worked as a machinist, but having the desire to be his own boss he obtained his CDL. He was employed as a truck driver by R&J Trucking. More than anything Chris adored his children and grandchildren. He spent as much time as possible with his loved ones sharing his passion for the outdoors. Chris loved fishing and spent countless hours boating on Bruin Lake in Pickney County, Michigan. Camping and waterskiing were other cherished family activities. From time to time, Chris enjoyed a round of golf. He liked relaxing in front of the television to catch an old Western or episode of MASH. Chris was an avid NASCAR fan, and especially Dale Earnhardt Jr. Although he could be stubborn at times, no matter what he enjoyed laughter and always had a great sense of humor. Chris D. Smith, age 51, of Monroe passed away peacefully at 7:15am on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 after a short battle with cancer at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, in Perrysburg, Ohio. In addition to his sister: Carol Ann Darr, his passing was preceded by a brother-in-law: Kenneth Berry. To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife: Kristine of Erie; seven children: Brent (Kassie) Smith of Toledo; Brooke Smith of Toledo; Brittney Smith of Erie; Ashley Sominski of Defiance, Ohio; Nicole(Edward)Jensen of Metamora, Ohio; Kasey Sominski of Berkey, Ohio and Emily Sominski of Erie; a sister: April Smith of Erie; a niece: Rachel Smith of Shelby Township, Michigan; and his loving grandchildren: Noah and Kinley Jensen. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 7:00pm on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street in Erie, Michigan (734) 848-5185. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 7:00pm also at Merkle's with Pastor Megan Walther of Erie United Methodist church officiating. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the Second Floor nurses at St. Anne Hospital for their excellent care of Christopher and his family.