Howard R. (Ray) Smith

Howard R. (Ray) Smith,68 of Elkhart, Indiana died February 20, 2009 @ 12:20 P.M. at home as the result of Lung Cancer and Emphysema.

He was born on October 13, 1940 in Elkhart, Indiana to Henry and Fleeta (Pratt) Smith. He married Barbara A. Garver on October 16, 1976 in Elkhart, Indiana. She survives along with three stepdaughters; Penny (Bill) Wine of Elkhart, Indiana, Melanie (David) Cuthbert of Goshen, Indiana and Sandi (Tony) Geier of Osceola, Indiana, two stepsons; Michael (Jonna) Garver of Elkhart and Greg Garver of Union, Michigan, 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, three sisters; Genevieve Weirich of Bristol, Indiana, June Moore of Elkhart and Neva Howard of Edwardsburg, Michigan and a brother, Don Smith of Elkhart.Brothers Ralph, Henry & James Smith and grandsons, Thomas & Robert Wine all preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 Tuesday and one hour prior to services which will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at Stemm Lawson Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Boulevard, Elkhart, Indiana. Pastor Carl Bassett of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Niles, Michigan will officate. Burial willl follow at Olive Cemetery with the United States Army and the DAV Chapter 19 providing military graveside honors.

Mr. Smith worked in the mobile home industry for many years then retired after 29 years with Amcast-Elkhart Products as a tool crib attendant. He was a member of the IAM Local 1315 Machinist Union.He loved camping, fishing and playing cards with his family.He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Goshen Hospital Care at home Hospice.