Thomas William Smith

Thomas William Smith, age 66, passed away at his home with his family by his side on October 24, 2026. He was born on April 13, 1960, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, son of the late Edward Peter and Harriet Regina (Lawens) Smith.

A 1978 graduate of Beal City High School, Tom built his life around the values of diligence, reliability, and service to others. Those who knew him understood him as someone who approached life with care and purpose.

Tom will be remembered as a man of strong work ethic, practical nature, and deep conscientiousness in all aspects of his life. Raised on a dairy farm, he carried with him a lifelong love for farming and agriculture. He excelled in agronomy and was known for helping many farmers in several communities, sharing both his knowledge and his steady commitment to the work he valued so highly.

He also found enjoyment in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. He liked watching television, working on small engines, gathering with family, and spending time with his dog, Cutie Pie. These everyday moments reflected the warmth and grounded spirit that were such a part of who he was.

Tom leaves behind his son, Aaron (Lori) Smith and their children, Zachary and Eloise; life partner, Katie Bragdon and her children, Rachel Robinson (Randy Woodman), James Robinson, Jody Jackson, and Katie's daughter in-law, Jennifer Bragdon; siblings, Norma (Paul) Lyden, Barbara Joanne Smith, Mike (Cindy) Smith, Dave (Carrie) Smith, Ann (Doug) Rau, Betty Pasch (Frank Lynch), and Deb (Dave) Faber; in-laws, Cathy Smith, Christine Bragdon-Lau, Virginia (Mike) Woodbury, Martha Pety (Steve Cahoon), and Lesa Wohlscheid; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Harriet Smith; brother, Glen Smith; brothers in-law, Mark Pasch, John Lau, and Charlie Bragdon; and step-son in-law, Anthony Bragdon.

Tom's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Ives officiating. A luncheon will follow in Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). The family will receive friends on Monday, November 2, from 4-7 p.m. and on Tuesday one hour before the service. Tom's cremains will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Optimal Care Hospice or Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA), or you may consider an act of kindness in Tom's memory.

The family extends a special thank you to Makaila Robinson for her care and kindness and to his sister, Joanne Smith, who was with Katie all the way as they walked Tom home.

Thomas will be remembered with love and gratitude by those whose lives he touched. His memory will remain a lasting blessing.