Jan.
18, 1926 - Jan. 11, 2010MISHAWAKA - Paul L. Smith, 83, of Mishawaka, beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, caring brother and uncle, wonderful friend, went home to be with our Lord and Savior at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 11, 2010. He died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL. Paul was born January 18, 1926, in South Bend, to the late Paul and Mae Smith. A John Adams High School graduate, Paul joined the Air Force during WW II where he became a pilot and flew B29 bombers. After the Air Force, Paul returned to the Midwest where he managed a Ridge Company store in Lansing, MI. Later he relocated to Arcata, California, where he earned his bachelor degree in education. While in Arcata, he worked for the local school system and owned and operated his own school supply business. After years in California, he returned home, received his master's degree in psychology from IUSB and worked for their Career Resource Center, traveling throughout the state of Indiana. He later became Director of Admissions at Bethel College where he wrote the grant which started the Bethel School of Nursing. Paul retired from Bethel College in 1992 as a professor in the "LEAP program." Paul was a member of River Park Church of Christ and then a charter member of Deer Run Church of Christ. Paul had many loves: music, fishing, flying, and his church family, but closest to his heart were his two grandchildren. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Dorothy; two daughters, Susan (Don) Fleck of South Bend and Peggy Hamilton of Mishawaka; two grandchildren, Chris (Katy) Fleck of South Bend and Cassandra Boyce of Mishawaka; two sisters, Rosemae (Warren) Hafstrom of Stevensville, MI, and Nancy (Bob) Hartman of Mishawaka; two brothers, Mike (Janice) Smith and Don (Sonya) Smith, both of Mishawaka. His brother, Tom Smith, preceded Paul in death. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday in the Palmer Funeral Home - River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615. Pastor David Honeycutt will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. today in the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Friday. Contributions in memory of Paul L. Smith may be made to Deer Run Church of Christ, 2730 South Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46614. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.