Richard A. Smith

Richard A. Smith, age 93 of Battle Creek, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 4, 1932, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Bernard E. and Ruth Irene (Roe) Smith. Richard graduated from Lakeview High School in 1951 where he played football and ran track. He then enrolled at Western Michigan University in an aircraft engineering program and earned his private pilot’s license with a single engine rating. He also played on the varsity football team in his freshman year. Richard enlisted in the Army in October of 1954 where he continued his engineering studies. While stationed in Germany with the 39th Engineer Group he played on the football team “The Karlsruhe Dozers”. Following his discharge in 1956, he returned to Western Michigan University. In April of 1957 Richard went to work at the Kellogg Company and retired in 1988 after 31 years as a Millwright Supervisor. He served on the board of Kellogg Credit Union for over 60 years and held positions from Treasurer to Chairman as well as many board committees and completed all 12 courses of the Volunteer Achievement program. On September 22, 1957, Richard married Zella M. (Eyre) at the Newton United Methodist Church. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, travel on cruises and the over 40 years he and Zella spent vacationing in Cancun, Mexico. He was preceded in death by his wife Zella on June 14, 2024, and his parents. Richard is survived by his daughter Cheryl (Doug) Wolfgang, grandson Matthew (Emily) Green, and great grandchildren Rowan and Berkley Green. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2026 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Pastor Pat Pebley of Newton United Methodist Church officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow the funeral service at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Newton United Methodist Church. www.henryfuneralhome.org