S. Burton Smith

Burt passed away Monday, September 23, 2019 at his home in Kalamazoo. He was born July 22, 1929 in Ypsilanti, the son of Roy and Mae (Warboy) Smith. Burt had worked for Consumers Energy for 35 years until his retirement. He had served on the Board of Directors at the Consumers Credit Union and was a member of the 12th Street Baptist Church. In his free time Burt enjoyed golfing. He had a strong faith and was a member of the Sowers and loved traveling the world serving God. On May 1, 1948 at the First Baptist Church of Otsego he married Rachel Rouse who survives. Also surviving are his children, Sue (Richard) Gorton of Kalamazoo, Bruce Smith of Otsego and Jim Smith of Fennville; 8 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Shari (Marc) French; siblings, Ilene Publiski and Carl Smith along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Russell Smith; 3 great-grandchildren and siblings, Robert, Bernard, Ruth and Ivy. Friends may visit with Burt's family from 6-8 P.M., Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Otsego and starting at 1:30 P.M., Friday, September 27, 2019 until the time of the service at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Thaddeus Stout officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego. Contributions in memory of Burt may be made to Ethnos 360 or Wycliffe Bible Translators Inc. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.