Roger Allen Smith died in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on September 20, 2024. He was 79 years old. He was born on July 26, 1945, in Allegan, Michigan. His parents, Leonard Smith and Helen Heath died before he was born.
Roger was always smart, worked hard, and loved his family and friends very much. These traits shaped his whole life. Roger was ambitious and started R. Smith and Sons Inc. after finishing at Allegan High School. He managed and owned the business well for over 55 years and also started RA Equipment with his family in 2003 and ran it successfully.
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A true family man, he married the love of his life, Janet (Merchant) Smith, on April 23, 1966, with the help of Pastor Mayhew. They built a beautiful life together, were married for 58 years, and were lucky to have a loved family that kept growing through the years.
Roger loved being outside and found peace and happiness in the beauty of nature. He loved the peace of the great outdoors, whether he was shooting, fishing, or just taking a walk through God’s Country. A lot of people remember the good times he had working on cars in his Pole Barn and talking and telling stories with old and new friends.
Roger was crazy about auctions and could be seen all over the country, from Florida to Michigan. He was always looking for the next big deal in heavy equipment. He strongly believed in God and worshiped at the Merson Church. His support for the Allegan County Fair and the 4H community showed that he wanted to help young people grow and find chances.
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Roger Allen Smith left behind a tradition of endless adventure, intelligence, and kind wisdom. As we say goodbye to a man whose presence made so many people’s lives better, we find comfort in the fact that his lively stories and wise words will live on through the years.
Roger is survived by his wife Janet (Merchant) Smith, their children Trent (Tammy) Smith and Trevor (Natalie) Smith, as well as his siblings Barbara Taylor, Betty Smith, Denise (Ron) Medemar, Julie (Jeff) Fell, Joel Merchant, and Patti (Doug) Schmidt. He also leaves behind grandchildren Matthew (Brooke), Mallory (Rich), Adam, Steven, Justin, Zakary Roger, Erin (Miles), Damenick, Isabel, Connor, Gabe, Mitchell, Megan, and Kelley, as well as great-grandchildren Graham, Grace, Parker, Oliver, Wrenlee, Avery, Aspen, and Keeley.
Leonard and Helen (Heath) Smith, his son Troy Smith (1990), his brother Butch Smith and his wife Colleen Smith, his in-laws Virgil and Esther Merchant, his brother and sister-in-laws Betty Merchant and Melvin Taylor, and his daughter-in-law Peggy Milbocker have all died.
