Howard Dale Smith, age 96, of Grand Haven, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence. He was born on September 3, 1929, in Holland, MI, to the late Henry and Nellie (Bultema) Smith.

Howard grew up in Holland and graduated from Holland High School, Class of 1947, later attending classes at Hope College and earning his associates degree. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1951 to 1953, during the Korean Conflict. Howard then met Elaine Donley, and they were married on December 19, 1951, in Holland, MI. She preceded him in death on October 9, 2010, after 58 years of marriage.

Howard was a proud member of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28 and former member of Trinity Reformed Church. He and Elaine enjoyed spending their winters down in the Florida sunshine and loved traveling, especially to Europe and going on cruises. Howard liked to go hunting and was an avid sports fan who faithfully enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions football and Detroit Tigers baseball games.

Howard will be forever remembered and missed by his daughter, Diana (Randy) Holton; son, Gary Smith; grandsons, Randall (Lauren) Holton and Eric Holton; sister, Lois Spencer; and his brother, Irvin (Kathleen) Smith.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; brother-in-law, Dr. Edward Spencer; and his brother and sister-in-law, Willard and Nettie Smith.

The Funeral Service for Howard will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Bytwerk officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28 and the US Army. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28 or Harbor Hospice Leila and Cyrus Poppen Residence.

**  For those unable to attend, the Funeral Service for Howard will be live-streamed beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, October 10, 2025. Please click here to view: https://youtube.com/live/U263hY2s3pk?feature=share

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