Paul H. Smith

Paul Henry Smith was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 5, 1947.  He grew up in Hudsonville, Michigan on the “Smith Farm” and passed away in Dorr, Michigan, February 18, 2026. 

Paul is best remembered for his sense of humor, his love of science, and curiosity.  He went back to school in his 30’s, with six children, got his GED and a college degree in Anthropology.  Paul’s picture is in the Grand Rapids Public Museum, working under Dr. Flanders for Grand Valley State University’s Anthropology Lab excavating Smitty the mastodon. Paul later became a cultural anthropologist for Eastern African Cultures and started a travel agency with his wife Susie in Dorr, Michigan to help the Kikuyu people of Kenya. Professionally and in his heart, he was also a cabinetmaker, and restored many houses in Grand Rapids and made furniture for Jenison Manufacturing. He loved music and was an accomplished musician, minoring in classical guitar at university. When he was young, he even had a band named the Yeomen – for years the band’s picture hung in Farrows Music. He loved to play with his kids, teaching them music theory, piano, and guitar.  While going to college he was a "house husband" and proud of taking care of the house and his kids. Paul is especially remembered for his devotion to his wife and love of his life Susie, who he met growing up in Hudsonville.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Laura and Herman Smith, his wife Susie Smith, sister Loia Lee Smith, and foster son Timothy Julien.  He is survived by his children Alexandria Schreiber (Michael Lindsey), Michelle Radeck, Laura Smith-Velazquez (Matthew Velazquez), David Smith, and foster son David McCowan (Patricia McCowan). 

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