Gail A. “Bud” Smith, 87, Columbia City, passed away at 7:18 p.m. Sunday, May 15, 2016, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. Born Sept. 1, 1928 in Whitley County, he was the son of Scott G. and Cecelia A. (Schilts) Smith.

He graduated from Wolf Lake High School, Class of 1947. Following high school Gail joined the U.S. Army in 1950 and served during the Korean War. On July 24, 1954, he married Elizabeth A. Weeks at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Columbia City. Gail worked 35 years for Dana in Syracuse, retiring in 1991. He was a member of the American Legion Post 98, a life member of Wolf Lake VFW Post 4717 and Vice President of UAW Local 1405 for 17 years.  Gail enjoyed playing pinochle and casino daily.  He also enjoyed traveling to Europe and yearly to South Padre Island and Myrtle Beach.

Survivors include his wife: Elizabeth A. “Betty” Smith of Columbia City; daughter: Karen R. (John) VanVoorst, of Columbia City; son: Brad L. (Cheryl) Smith, of Syracuse; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paul E. Smith.

A graveside service for Gail will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday May 27, at Thorn Cemetery, Ormas.

Arrangements with DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Gail may be made to VFW Post 4717.