Eugene Smith

08/11/1923

12/26/2020

Memorial Contributions:

Emmanuel Hospice

401 Hall Street S.W. Suite 263 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Kent District Library

814 W River Center Dr. NE Comstock Park, MI 49321

Eugene “Gene” William Smith, age 97, of Lowell, passed away peacefully at Porter Hills Village on Saturday evening, December 26, 2020. He was preceded in death by four sisters; and daughter, Renee Reed. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Joy; daughter, Ann Newell; son-in-law, John Reed; grandchildren, Adam (Erin) Newell, Jessica (Brandon) Walkington, Amy (Adam) Simon, and Lindsey Reed; great-grandchildren, Haleigh, Greyson, Callen, Elizabeth, Rowyn, Knox, Gibson, Ava, and Ryan; and many nieces and nephews.

Eugene was born and raised in West Bend, Wisconsin, he attended West Bend Schools as well as Holy Angels. After graduation, he worked for West Bend Aluminum until he was called to the Army-Airforce. He served for two years during WWII, stationed in India. After serving, he returned to West Bend and enrolled at Marquette University, where he graduated with a master’s degree in Biology. In 1951 Eugene relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan taking on the role as Head of the Biology Department at Aquinas College. In 1965 Gene married Joy Loudon and together they spent 55 years together and raised two children, Renee and Ann. After 34 years of service, he retired from Aquinas College. During retirement, Gene continued his research for the Blueberry Growers. He also made time for ice skating, downhill skiing, motorcycle riding, fishing, hunting, and roller blading.

Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson Lowell, MI 49331. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 402 Amity Street Lowell, Michigan 49331, with Rev. Aaron Ferris presiding. Social distancing and masks will be required. Services will be livestreamed on Roth-Gerst Facebook page. Interment will take place following at Bailey Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be directed toward Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall Street S.W. Suite 263 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or Kent District Library,814 W River Center Dr NE Comstock Park, MI 49321.

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3 Responses

  1. I will always remember Gene’s amusing stories and his smile and laugh. He lived life to its fullest; I hope I can follow his lead. He will be missed. Prayers for you and your family, Joy.

  2. Thank you Mr. Smith. It was a pleasure to know you as the best insturctor I had at Aquinas College, as well as a great person.

    You were so right…There is no such thing as a perfect circle. Perfection is elusive.

    Thank you Sir, and God’s Speed.

  3. Enjoyed Gene Smith’s friendship all the time I was at Aquinas. Never had the pleasure fo having him for an instructor but spent more time with him than most other faculty. His humor and insight will be sadly missed. Rest easy Mr Smith.

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