Phillip Edward Smith

Phillip Edward Smith was born in Owosso, Michigan on March 19, 1948. He passed away on June 20, 2026 after a year-long battle with cancer leading to heart failure. Phil’s mother was Helen Rose Lukas and his Father was George Frederick Smith. As a young man, Phil was called for military service in August 1968 until March 1970 where he was a Forward Observer with the United States Armed Forces in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action and the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. When he returned, Phillip attended Lansing Community College and Ferris State University while working at Universal Electric Company in Owosso. He became a journeyman tool & die maker and worked at Delco Electronics in Flint, Michigan. Phillip married Linda Schaaf Burris on November 22, 1986 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Davison, Michigan. Phil and Linda have enjoyed a very happy life together for nearly 40 years at their home on Silver Lake in Michigan and later, their desert home in Tucson, Arizona near Saguaro National Park East. Phil was always working on projects from building a wraparound porch on the house to restoring a Power Wagon, a 1966 Ford 250, and his Harley Davison motorcycle. He designed and built a Dry Lakes Racer. He loved music from the 60’s to the 90’s. Most people who knew Phillip will remember him for his kindness, loyalty, and willingness to help. He was someone you could count on. Phil will be missed by his three children, ten grandchildren, and four great grandchildren in Michigan. He also leaves behind two sisters. Precious friends who have supported Phil during his fight against cancer need to know he appreciated their love and their tireless efforts to help him.

No funeral services are planned at this time. Following cremation, Phil will remain with Linda. In time, Phil and Linda will have a military funeral together at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly Michigan.

Romans 8:38-39

“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”