Obituary: Mark Smith, 54, of Hart

March 20, 2024

Mark Smith

Mark Charles Smith, 54, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters, following a 20 year battle with a rare liver disease, and a liver transplant in November; he ultimately succumbed to a hard-fought battle against liver bile duct cancer. He was born October 16, 1969, in Muskegon, the son of Dale and Linda (Reyna) Smith.

After graduating from Hart High School, Mark went on to play college basketball where he met the love of his life and best friend, Beth; they left school and married, starting a family right away; his family was everything to him. He was overjoyed by being able to support his daughter’s school activities and life adventures; when his grandchildren came into the picture, Mark couldn’t wait to do the same for them. His grandchildren meant the world to him.

While growing up in Hart, Mark spent his time farming with his father, and then moved on to work in a lumber yard for many years, and later building pole barns. Mark was a hardworking man, from working on cars to building pole barns; he was truly a jack-of-all-trades. When Mark’s health began to present him with challenges he decided to start his own business. Mark and Beth would travel around Michigan during the summers as aquatic weed harvesters, restoring lakes to their proper ecosystem; he also started a tire recycling business.

Mark is survived by: his loving wife, Beth Smith; daughters, Tori (Jeremy) Schreur of Kentwood, and Erica (Mike) Freund of Allegan; grandchildren, Eli Schreur and Fiona Schreur; father, Dale (Mari) Smith of Hart, sisters, Kristine (Kevin) Keck of Ludington, Karmen (Scott) Dupree of Miramar Beach, Florida, Kori Smith of Spring Lake, and Kolleen (Ron) Lenon of Hart; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Belle Smith of Hart.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.