Garnette (Garnie) L. Smith, 94, died at 7:24 a.m. Monday, August 6, 2012 at Monticello Healthcare. He was born on August 19, 1917, in Ohio to the late Albert William Smith and Lyda Rebecca Smith. He moved with his parents to Indiana in September 1920.

He graduated from Delphi High School in 1935 and later graduated from International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He then served in the United States Navy from 1941 to the end of the World War II as a quartermaster on a landing ship; tank (LST) which he also piloted. He was involved in battles in the Mediterranean and African Theaters and on D-day while returning to port his ship was disabled when it was struck in the dark by another Ally ship. He was in the Pacific on an LST headed toward Japan when the war ended.

On October 17, 1944, he married Marilyn Holloway in Yeoman, Indiana. She preceded him in death on April 16, 1992. Surviving are two children, Jeffrey R. Smith (wife: Donna) ofDelphi, and Susan M. Vogel (husband: Phil) of Monticello and his sister, Opal F. Bowman of Delphi.

He is also survived by his five granddaughters: Hannah Smith, a pediatrician, is a medical fellow at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, but currently doing research in Malawi, Africa; Lydia George (husband: Parker), will soon complete her doctorate in physical therapy in Indianapolis; Katy Vogel, is a pharmacist in San Diego, California; Kimbre Vogel, is a physician doing her residency in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Kylie Vogel is a student at Purdue University. It was his active involvement in the lives of his granddaughters after the death of Marilyn that was the bright spot in his life along with his special friendship with Jane Smith, who also survives.

Following his military service, Garnie was the office manager of the Carroll County R.E.M.C. until his retirement in 1972. In 1960 he built Hollow Acres Golf Center in Yeoman which he operated with his wife, Marilyn, until 1986.

Garnie enjoyed spending time with his friends in Indiana and in Florida where he and Marilyn wintered for many years. In recent years a highlight of his day was coffee at Clawson's inDelphi. He enjoyed golfing and played in the golf league at the Carroll County Country Club. In 1992 he fulfilled a dream when he and Marilyn traveled to Alaska in their camper van on the ALCAN highway for eight weeks of sightseeing. He was a member of the American Legion and participated in the honor guard. He was also a member of the Yeoman UnitedMethodist Church.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Davidson Funeral Home in Delphi, Indiana. Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. with burial to follow at the Yeoman Cemetery. Military Graveside Rites by the Delphi and Camden American Legions and Delphi VFW.

The family requests that donations be made to the Yeoman United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences: www.davidsonfh.com