Obituary of John "Johnny" Smith

SMITH, John "Johnny" age 98, of St. Helen, Michigan, formerly of Fairgrove, Michigan, died Sunday, February 15, 2015 at his home in St. Helen. Family will receive friends at Martin Funeral Home in Fairgrove on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 from 10:00 am until time of service at 1:00 pm. Pastor Richard Lawther will officiate with burial to follow at Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Branch Helping Hands Hospice or Fairgrove Presbyterian Church. Envelopes can be found at the funeral home. Johnny was born January 23, 1917 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of John and Julia (Benna) Kovacs. He married Robie A. Barriger on June 13, 1942 at the Presbyterian Church in Fairgrove. Sadly, she passed on May 16, 2010. Johnny served in the Army from 1942 to 1943. He was employed by Eaton as a Machinest. Johnny belonged to the Lions Club in Fairgrove and the Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed bowling, softball, fishing, hunting, and spoiling his grandchildren. He is survived by two daughters, Patsy Waters, Joan Streeter; sister, Maxine Kovacs; six grandchildren, Scott Wassmann, Michael and wife Shannon Wassmann, Janet Wassmann and husband Ron Jovanovicz, James and wife Joy Streeter, Jennifer and husband Chris Holland, John and wife Martha Streeter; 17 great grandchildren. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Robie (Barriger) Smith; brother, Alex Kovacs; sister, Julia Kosto; two son in laws, James Streeter. and James Waters.