Roger “Rod” Smith

Published 6:00 am Friday, September 6, 2024

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October 26, 1936 – August 28, 2024

Roger also known as “Rod” A. C. Smith, 87, of Cassopolis, died peacefully August 28, 2024.

His life began October 26, 1936 in Battle Creek Michigan, born to A.C. and Helen Smith. He married Judy Ann Wade July 16, 1977 in Cassopolis, Michigan. She survives. 

Rod served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1962. He and his friend John Mitchell spent time working at Fruitbelt Electric in Cassopolis. Later they purchased Eagle Lake Marina in Edwardsburg in 1967 running it together for fourteen years. He was last employed at the Cass County Transit, driving bus which he loved. Rod and Judy enjoyed traveling out west in their fifth wheel trailer. He also enjoyed his breakfast club at Spicey’s Restaurant in Edwardsburg on the weekends. Together Rod and his wife raised draft horses and exhibited them at area fairs in Michigan and Indiana.

Rod will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Judy Ann Smith; one daughter, Lisa (Heather) Sobieski; one son, Wayde (Deborah) Harding; three grandchildren, Dustin (Kate) Harding, Courtney Sobieski, Lexi Ludwig; two great grandchildren Smith and Haisley; extended family members, Pearl Suseland and Jami Suseland; and one nephew, Mark (Denise) Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gerald “Gary” Smith.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Rod be made to Cass County Council on Aging, Post Office Box 5, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031 or to the charity of donors choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.