Milford C. Smith, age 93, of Bradner, Ohio passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Bridge Hospice Care Center in Bowling Green, Ohio.
He was born on November 5, 1929, in Fostoria to the late Milo C. & Nellie M. (Fruth) Smith. Milford married Bernadine E. “Boomie” Saam on April 9, 1955, and she preceded him in passing on June 29, 2021.
Surviving Milford are his daughters, Kimberly (Harley) Willford, Cheryl (John) Carnahan, both of Bradner; grandchildren, Jacob (Rachael) McBride, Adam (Desirea) McBride, Craig Willford, Krista Berridge; great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Saorise, Josiah; special friends, Andy & Norma, Ed & Karen, Richard & Judy, Don & Anita; and his beloved cat, Miss Kitty.
He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Milo (Edith); mother, Nellie; and loving wife, Bernadine.
Milford served his Country proudly in the United States Navy during the Korean War, and then worked as a Utility Man at Whirlpool in Clyde for 36 years. He was a member of the Albert Bowe American Legion Post #338 in Bradner where he served as Commander, Sergeant in Arms, and various other positions. He was also a member of the VFW #1142 in Bowling Green, US Navy Cruiser Sailor’s Association, and a member of the Korean War Veterans Association. Milford was also a member of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints in Bradner where he served as an Elder and Pastor, and he was also the President for 13 years of the Alumni Association in Bradner.
Among many hobbies over the years, Milford enjoyed running as he was a member of the Fremont Elite Runners club and ran in the Boston Marathon in 1982 and 1984. He earned a Black Belt in Karate, and also belonged to the Trivets Corvette Club in Fostoria as he had a passion for Drag Racing. Milford and Bernadine had a love for traveling and enjoyed traveling around the United States attending the USS Worcester Ships Reunions. Milford will always be remembered for his ornery personality, and through it all, even till the end, “he was still pretty.”
A graveside service to honor both Milford & Bernadine will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Bradner Cemetery with Sean Telljohann officiating. Military honors will be performed by the Albert Bowe American Legion Post #338, along with an Auxiliary Service. Immediately following, food and fellowship will be held at the Albert Bowe American Legion.
All arrangements have been entrusted to Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Wood County Humane Society (801 Van Camp Road, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402), Albert Bowe American Legion (209 W. Crocker St., Bradner, Ohio 43406), or to Bridge Hospice (950 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green, Ohio 43402). .
Online condolences can be sent to Milford’s family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org.
