Gaylord L. Smith

Mr. Gaylord L. Smith, age 87, of Kentwood, passed away on February 5, 2007 at Spectrum Health. He is survived by his wife, Deloris; daughters, Susan Smith of Grand Rapids, Sharon and Bob Pavlovic of Byron Center, and Sally and Larry Drew of Kentwood; grandchildren, Greg Pavlovic, Karen Pavlovic, Jeff Drew, and Scott Drew; one great-granddaughter, Molly Meyerink; and nephews, Tom Smith, Cal Smith, Robert Kanouse, and Steve Kanouse. He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Ernest and Ferna Spencer Smith, and siblings, Earl (Mona) Smith, Evria (Lynn) Kanouse, and Marjorie (William Etna) Hawkins. He was born in Rockford and graduated from Rockford High School in 1937. In 1942 he entered into the US Army at Camp Forrest, TN with numerous other young men from this area. During the summer and fall of 1944, he served with General Patton's 3rd Army in France. Wounded, Gaylord spent considerable time in Army hospitals. He met Deloris Johnson at Schick General Hospital in Clinton, IA. They moved from Rockford to their present home in Kentwood in 1948. For 25 years he was self-employed in construction, and for 20 years he was in charge of Co. F, 317 reunions, and editor-composer of the company newsletters. He always stayed in touch with all the remaining Army "buddies." He was a life member of the 80th Div. Assn. and D.A.V. Post of Kentwood and member of Daniel Cassard Amvets Legion Post #208 of Kentwood. Gaylord was an enthusiastic follower of Rockford High School sports and was known to send letters of encouragement to Coach Ralph Munger of Rockford's Football Team and Coach Steve Majerle of Rockford's Basketball Team. He once told Coach Munger that he always sat on the visitor's side so that Rockford would continue to win. Gaylord and his wife, Deloris, will have a lasting presence at the Rockford Field House with their donation of the scoreboard. Gaylord enjoyed traveling with his family in the USA and Canada and was an avid family genealogist. A private service for Gaylord was held with interment in Rockford Cemetery. Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories of Gaylord at www.pedersonfuneralhome.com Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com