Orval W. Smith

Birth date: Sep 7, 1923 Death date: Jan 14, 2015

Orval W. Smith, aged 91 lifelong resident of Custer, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital following a brief illness. Orval was born on September 7, 1923 in Custer, the son of Lloyd R. an Read Obituary

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Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services - Stephens Funeral Home

305 E. State St., Scottville MI 49454

231-757-3333

Roger (Boots) Murray

596w ago

I first met Orval in early February of 1943. Our assignments in the 312 Combat Engineers of the 87th Infantry Division caused us to be together most every day of our service. When the war was over, we were both discharged in December 1945. Thanks to Orval's wish to keep in touch with WWII buddies, he sent out letters to all that he could find an address for. And he found me! For many years we shared our lives thru phone calls & letters, until April of 2012 when my daughters Bev & Diane joined me in a trip to Custer to meet Orval, Ila, & his daughter Diane.
What a great visit! To meet again after 66 years and remember those years so long ago.
Thanks again to the Custer VFW for hosting a wonderful luncheon honoring both of us.
Wonderful memories, made with a dear friend.

Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services

596w ago

Added a new photo to the 91st Birthday album.

Amy Faltinek

596w ago

in honor of Orval.

A pale pink candle with a lit flame, surrounded by small white flowers and a purple bud against a soft pink background.

Beverly Steele

597w ago

Orval Smith was a very nice man I met almost three years ago when my father, Boots Murray, sister Diane Spinelli and I came to Luddington, Michigan, for a reunion for two WWII veterans. It was wonderful and memorable. We were introduced to Orval's family the next day and had a fantastic celebration at the VFW in Custer. The entire family opened their arms to us and treated us like family. Orval showed us around his town, including the fire department where he had volunteered for a very long time. He was so proud of it all.
I know everyone that knew Orval will miss him very much. He was a big part of his home town and loved it and the people he knew. Dad has fond and funny memories of "adventures" with Orval during WWII that he will always treasure. Thanks, Orval, for contacting Dad those few years ago so we had the opportunity of meeting you ourselves.
Beverly Steele

Diane Spinelli

597w ago

Dear Ila, Diane & the Smith Family,
I met Orval, Ila, & Diane in April 2012 when my sister, Beverly Steele, and I joined my Dad, Roger Murray, on a trip to Custer to reunite Dad with Orval after 66 years.
Dad & Orval spent every day of three years together while serving in WWII. Even after 66 years it was evident the strong bond & friendship that still remained between the two men. The VFW had a surprise celebration in their honor, and the local newspaper interviewed Dad & Orval and printed wonderful pictures & stories of their service and reunion. We had so much fun.
That was a memorable trip for so many reasons, but Orval, Ila, & Diane instantly felt like family. Warm & welcoming, funny & kind, and very proud of their community. Orval wanted to share his life with us, and that included a great visit to the fire dept.
I am so very sorry we did not back to Custer, but I will forever treasure that visit.
Ila & Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. We miss Orval, we honor his memory, and we hold dear your friendship.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Diane Spinelli (Murray)

Sharon Witt

597w ago

Orval Smith was my Uncle and when I young, most of my grandparents children and grandchildren lived very close or in Custer. He was always there and cared about everyone. But he always had a soft spot for children. He did a lot of woodworking in addition to everything else. He will most definitely be missed. We are not able to attend this weekend, but all the family and friends will be in our thoughts. Uncle Orval, we love you, we honor and salute you and will miss you very, very much!

Linda Shively

597w ago

in honor of Orval.

A lighted pale blue candle with a small white flower and a few leaves at its base, set against a soft blue background.

Ron Bacon

597w ago

Created a new album - 91st Birthday.

Michael O'herron

597w ago

Our condolences to the entire Smith family. We are related ( Jennifer is Jack Schroeder's daughter). The memories of the Smith Family Reunion at the Bob & Elaine Rader's stand out most. We saw Orval a couple months ago and it hard to believe he passed so fast. God bless all!

Michael & Jennifer OHerron

Ron Bacon

597w ago

I grew up next door to Orval and Ila and have been friends for my whole life. He was a walking history book about our community. It was true gift to have him as a friend and caring person, one you could rely on for anything at any time.
He helped my father in so many ways after my father had a stroke.
He will be missed,
Ron Bacon

CARED FOR BY

Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services - Stephens Funeral Home

305 E. State St., Scottville MI 49454

231-757-3333

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