Francis “Shon” Joseph Smoker, 85, of Bronson, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at the Community Health Center of Branch County.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, July 29, 2016 at St. Mary of Assumption Church in Bronson with Fr. Richard Fritz officiating, Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bronson. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 28, 2016 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM where a Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson.
Shon was born April 20, 1931 to Franklin J. and Anna B. (Wotta) Smoker in Bronson. He entered the United States Army on February 6, 1952 in Detroit and was discharged on November 20, 1953 at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois. He received the Korean Services Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal and the National defense Service Medal with 1 Overseas Bar.
Shon married Dorothy J. Losinski on May 14, 1955 at St. Mary’s of Assumption Church in Bronson. He began working as a farmer, but then switched to manufacturing with Douglas and LA Darling companies. In 1988, he started Smoker Tool in Bronson and retired in 2000.
He was a member of St. Mary’s of Assumption Church in Bronson and Orland American Legion Post # 423. Shon enjoyed working around his home, traveling, listening to Polka music, gardening, watching the Detroit Tigers, reading, hunting, fishing and especially spending time with his family.
Shon is survived by his wife of 61 years Dorothy; his children, Annette (Terry) Szafranski of Coldwater, Rick (Millie) Smoker of Bronson, Audrey Czajkowski of Coldwater and Larry (Marcy) Smoker of Bronson; his grandchildren, Joe (Kayla) Shaw, Austin, Evan, Abby and Lauren Szafranski, Cody Smoker, Michael and Katie Czajkowski, Matt and Nate Smoker. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Margaret Russo and Frances Smoker and his brother Robert Smoker.
Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s School in Bronson.
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