Obituary of Lonnie Lyle Smith

Lonnie L. Smith, 62, of Niles, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at his childhood home in Niles, Michigan.

Elvan “Chick” and Lorelei (Grubbs) Smith looked forward to the arrival of their son, Lonnie, on May 21, 1960 in Niles, Michigan.

A Niles man most of his life, he graduated from Niles High School in 1979 and then went on to work at Notre Dame for the Ave Maria Press, where he had given nearly twenty years of dedicated service until his retirement in 2008. Lonnie was a true outdoorsman; he loved hunting, fishing, taxidermy, and especially coaching baseball; having the privilege of coaching his children and grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Elvan Smith.

Lonnie is survived by his mother, Lorelei Smith; children, Dustin Smith and Derek (Katelynn) Smith; six grandchildren; siblings, Cheri (Donald) Hughes, Todd (Mandy) Smith, and Timothy Smith all of Niles; and many extended family members and close friends.

A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 6:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in care of Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.