Milford Smith Obituary

Milford C. Smith

Milford C. Smith, 93, of Bradner, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Bowling Green.

He was born Nov. 5, 1929, in Fostoria, to Milo C. and Nellie M. (Fruth) Smith. Milford married Bernadine E. "Boomie" Saam on April 9, 1955, and she preceded him in death June 29, 2021.

Milford is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Harley) Willford and Cheryl (John) Carnahan, both of Bradner; grandchildren, Jacob (Rachael) McBride, Adam (Desirea) McBride, Craig Willford, and Krista Berridge; great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Saorise, and Josiah; special friends, Andy and Norma, Ed and Karen, Richard and Judy, and Don and Anita; and beloved cat, Miss Kitty.

He was preceded in death by his father; stepmother, Milo (Edith); mother, Nellie; and loving wife, Bernadine.

Milford served his country proudly in U.S. Navy during the Korean War and then worked as an utility man at Whirlpool, Clyde, for 36 years. He was a member of Albert Bowe American Legion Post #338, Bradner, where he served as Commander, Sergeant in Arms, and various other positions. He was also a member of VFW #1142 in Bowling Green, US Navy Cruiser Sailor's Association, and Korean War Veterans Association. Milford was also a member of Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints in Bradner where he served as an Elder and Pastor, and he was also President for 13 years of Alumni Association in Bradner.

Among many hobbies over the years, Milford enjoyed running as he was a member of Fremont Elite Runners club and ran in the Boston Marathon in 1982 and 1984. He earned a black belt in karate and also belonged to Trivets Corvette Club in Fostoria as he had a passion for drag racing. Milford and Bernadine had a love for traveling and enjoyed traveling around the United States attending the USS Worcester Ships Reunions. Milford will always be remembered for his ornery personality and through it all, even till the end, "he was still pretty."

A graveside service to honor both Milford and Bernadine will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Bradner Cemetery with Sean Telljohann officiating. Military honors will be performed by Albert Bowe American Legion Post #338, along with an auxiliary service. Immediately following, food and fellowship will be provided at Albert Bowe American Legion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Barndt Funeral Home, Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Wood County Humane Society, Bridge Hospice, or Albert Bowe American Legion.

Online condolences can be sent to Milford's family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org.