Keith Lee Smith, 72, of Union City, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at home, due to natural causes.

Keith, the son of Richard and Mirth (Roe) Smith, was born on July 3, 1953, in Coldwater, Michigan. He graduated from Union City High School with the class of 1972. Keith grew up farming with his dad and brother Tom and continued the family tradition until the late 2000s, but even then he still kept a few head of cattle because everyone knows deep down he had a true love for farming. While still farming he started working for the Calhoun County Road Commission in January of 1985, where he continued to worked until retiring in February of 2013.

Besides farming, Keith loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his daughter and grandchildren, who were the light in his eyes and the fire in his soul. Keith loved going to auctions and was known to be seen afterwards with a truckload (or two) of all his new “treasures”. If he wasn’t out fixing the roads or in the fields you could find him at The Bucket, drinking a cold one in “his” barstool at the very end of the bar, telling one of his corny jokes. Or at the round table on the dance floor playing one of his favorite card games; Euchre. When hunting season came around you could find him in his shanty behind the farm, patiently waiting to see a buck.

Keith is survived by his daughter, Salena Smith of Union City; granddaughter, Aaleya Asher of Union City; grandsons, Ty’shawn Brown and Tyreze Brown Jr. both of Union City; brothers, Tom (Jake) Smith of Union City and Lynn (Marcia) Smith of Merritt Island, Florida; sister, Linda (Gary) Smith of Union City; Best Friend, Mike Mann of Three Rivers; 8 nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Gayle (Jack) Snyder and Janet (Lowell) Knapp.

Keith was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and son; and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends, especially his daughter.

The family will be having a Celebration of Life, Saturday, May 2nd at The Star Line Barn Wedding and Event Center 30614 Michigan Avenue Leonidas, Michigan 49066. Time to be determined. All that’s asked to bring is memories of Keith and a dish to pass if possible.