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Paul F. Smith, 79 of Erie, MI, died Thursday, November 14, 2013 in Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg Twp., OH. Born June 15, 1934 in Adairville, KY, he was the son of Rayburn and Mary Lee (Dempsey) Smith. He was born of humble roots, never having any formal education past the 6th grade. At 18 he left Kentucky and moved to Ohio, met his future wife, Shirley Swan and made Michigan his home for 61 years. Shirley preceded him in death on September 17, 2006. But Kentucky never left him and he entertained everyone with stories of his youth. An extremely talented carpenter and artist, he was a master craftsman and luthier. His handmade musical instruments and scrimshaw awed all who saw them. Paul retired from Chrysler (Jeep) Corporation after being employed there over 30 years. He was member and past master of the Samaria Lodge #438, F.&A.M, a 32 degree mason and member of the Zenobia Shrine.

Surviving are his loving children, Jeannelle (Tom) Hart of Ottawa Hills, OH, Jeffrey (Lori) Smith of Aurora, OH, Greg (Anita) Smith of Santa Clarita, CA, Scott (Lisa) Smith of Liberty Township, OH and Todd (Drea) Smith of Seal Beach, CA. Brother, Clay (Dorothy) Smith of Franklin, KY and sister, Linda (Frank) Sears of Adairville, KY, 9 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and 3 step great grandchildren. Paul was also preceded in death by an infant son and parents.

Visitation will be from 2-8 pm Monday, November 18, 2013 at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, MI, where funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Erie Union Cemetery. Masonic services will be Monday at 6:00 pm at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals.