John W. Smithers

John Willis Smithers, age 74, a faithful Christian, passed away Tuesday, June 5 at Covenant Harrison Hospital in Saginaw.
He was born June 7, 1932 in Bad Axe to the late John and Mary Smithers. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Army and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. John was also an employee of General Motors Truck and Bus plant in Flint retiring after many years of service. On November 2, 1985, he was united in marriage to Marilyn (Brakenberry) Schember in Bad Axe, and made their home just south of Elkton. In 1991, he started a small business, Country Acres Sales & Service, selling and servicing lawn and garden equipment.
He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and amazing personality. John enjoyed fishing, playing cards, collecting classic cars and of course mowing the lawn. He also loved spending time with his family and friends. John is truly someone who has touched many people’s lives. He will be missed but never forgotten and in the words of a special someone, "we will always love our Grandpa "Jack" and our dad!"
Surviving are his wife, Marilyn Smithers of Elkton, and seven children, Sheila Hendricks of Caledonia, Randy Smithers of Ubly, Judy (Dave) Pye of Joshua, Texas, Barb (Jim) Crowell of Bad Axe, Mary (Chris) Forman of Ubly, Jeff Smithers, US Air Force, Netherlands, and Tina Smithers of Sterling Heights; four step children, Mark (Sharon) Schember of Elkton, Melody (Robert) Harmon of Elkton, Kurt (Lisa) Schember and Kevin Schember both of Bad Axe. Also surviving are fourteen grandchildren Jenny, Stacy, Lindey, Jessica, John, Raymond, Brandon, Jackie, Nicole, Nathan, Jeremy, Brittany, Kyle and Justen; six step grandchildren, Stephanie, Carissa, Brandon, Jarin, Cody and Haley; nine great grandchildren and three great step grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Howard and Tom and a great grandson, Nicholas Crowell.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday, June 8, at the Evangelife Assembly of God Church in Bad Axe. Rev. Glen Smith, pastor will officiate with military honors and burial to follow at Valley Cemetery, Ubly.
Friends may call from 2 to 9 PM Thursday and at the church after 10 AM Friday.
Memorial may be given to his church the family or your choice.