Obituary of Mark Smith

Mark Kinsey Smith October 30, 1947 - April 1, 2015 Mark Kinsey Smith was born on October 30, 1947 in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of four children born from the union of the late Wilbur and the late Phyllis (Keeney) Smith. Mark graduated high school from Mason Consolidated schools in the class of 1966, and then continued his education at the University of Michigan graduating with honors in 1970. He answered his calling for ministry soon after by attending Garrett Evangelical Seminary in Illinois, he graduated in 1973 and became an ordained minister in 1974. Mark married the former Diana Klein in Toledo, Ohio on May 16, 1970, from this union came the birth of three children. He supported his family by working fulltime on the Smith Brother's Family Farm. In 1978, Mark moved on with his career by becoming Pastor of United Methodist Church in Weston, Michigan until retiring in 2012 after thirty-four years. Mark had profound love for music. For two years while he attended the University of Michigan, he was in their marching band. On several occasions, he would play the taps on his trumpet for military rites at funerals. He made sure to pass the art to his children, and recorded several CD's. Mark valued God and his family above all else. He shared the love of reading, playing music, and singing with his family. He proudly shared the things he loved and enjoyed with ten children he helped raise as a foster parent. Mark was a hardworking man, he led by example; working alongside of his children on the family farm. He was also a history major and had a high involvement in the Erie Area Historians and the Mayflower Society. Mark K. Smith, age 67, of Erie, Michigan passed away at 6:00pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at St. Anne Mercy Hospital in Toledo. In addition to his passing, his death was preceded by his parents. To cherish his memory, Mark leaves his beloved wife of forty-four years: Diana; three children: Timothy Smith of Erie, Keren (Mark) Wojtowicz of Memphis, Tennessee, and Benjamin (Lori) Smith of Erie; brother: Andrew (Sandy) Smith of Erie; sisters: Ann Smith-Mercandetti of California and Marthalee (Tony) Hall of Florida; and grandchildren: Noah, Mackinsey, Isaac, Katherine, and Elizabeth Smith. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday, April 3, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie 9156 Summit Street, Erie (734) 848-5185. He will lie in state on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Erie United Methodist Church 1100 Michigan State Rd 151, Erie from 12:00noon till a Funeral Service at 1:00pm with Pastor Megan Walther officiating. Procession will follow to Brigham cemetery, in Erie for burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Salvation Army of Monroe or Cherry Street Ministries in Toledo, Ohio. 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.