Eugene A. Smith 84, of 6201 Hwy M.35, Gladstone, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 2nd, 2008.  Eugene was born to Raymond and Ella Smith on March 26, 1924 in Metamora, Michigan. He had been active working on several farms down state and later did the same in the Gladstone area, including a state farm and the McNutt farm in Perkins. Eugene is survived by one brother Jr. (Lucille) Smith of Clyde, MI and many nieces and nephews also from down state. He has many friends in the area including Roger and Janet Dault, the owners and operators of Pine Haven H.A. in Gladstone where Eugene made his home since 1995 following an illness with cancer. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Donald in 1973, a brother Ronald Smith in 2000. He was also preceded in death by a special friend, Irene Roach, who died in 2006 with Eugene at her side.  

In the spring of 2000, Eugene got to enjoy a trip to Florida with his friends Roger and Janet Dault. He visited Disney World, Sea World, and also enjoyed an airboat ride in the everglades. All of this was done with great enthusiasm.

On the return home, Eugene got to spend two days visiting his brothers and families in Port Huron. It was during this trip that he also visited his parents graves in Dryden, MI. It was during that visit that he wanted to learn more about the Lord and where his parents were.

Eugene started going to Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone with the Dault’s, and attended church every Sunday until he became weakened with CHF, secondary to severe aortic stenosis. He came to know the Lord with a child’s faith and requested that Pastor Randy baptize him. Eugene was baptized on April 1st, 2001 at Grace Baptist Church.

Friends of Eugene lovingly remember his wonderful personality and his fondness to color and play checkers. He will be missed by all who knew him. 

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday at the Skradski Funeral Home with services to follow on Friday at 3:00 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home with Pastor Stephen Patrick of the Grace Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Dryden Cemetery with his parents, in accordance to Eugene’s wishes.