WILLIAM D. SMITH

Feb. 13, 1925 - Oct. 12, 2010
SOUTH BEND - William Dewitt Smith, 85, passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2010, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. Bill was born February 13, 1925, in South Bend, to Harold and Jessie (Wittner) Smith. He was faced with adult responsibilities at the age of 14 when he lost his father.

He graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1943, and married Mary Alice Weatherman on April 27, 1946. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage, with three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Bill was employed for many years at Studebaker until its closing and later worked at Keggereis Supply, Elkhart. He was a life-long member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he frequently served on Session (governing board) and served as head usher for 35 years. His service to the community included the German Township Lions Club, the German Township Volunteer Fire Department, and University of Notre Dame Stadium Usher. He was a member of St. Joseph Masonic Lodge No. 45 F. & A.M. of Indiana and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, South Bend Valley. Bill was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, with a great love for infants and small children. Nothing pleased him more than to rock a crying child to sleep in the Westminster Church nursery. He was a avid Gardner and sport fan especially tennis and racing. He played tennis with family and friends and made frequent trips to Indianapolis to watch the Indy 500 and professional tennis.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Harold, Claude and Tom, and his son, Doug in December 2000.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Alice; children, Carol (Gary) Monnard of Davenport, Iowa, and Don Smith of Evansville, Wisconsin; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and special niece, Sharon Gray of South Bend.

Memorial services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Westminster Presbyterian Church, with visitation at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Cleveland Road, South Bend, In 46628. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, assisted with arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Oct. 15, 2010.

03/03/2023 EJS