Joseph "Joe" Smilax

Joseph (Joe) Smilax, of Temperance, MI, age 82, passed away November 3, 2024 due to medical complications. Joe was a lifetime resident of Temperance, MI., and a graduate of Bedford High School, Class of 1960. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force.  He was a jet engine mechanic stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, serving with Chuck Yeager and other Aeronautical Pioneers.

The son of Arthur (Art) and Bernita (Myers), Joseph was born on March 31, 1942 in Toledo, OH.

Following his military service, Joe returned to his hometown in Temperance, and raised his family as an Electrician, belonging to I.B.E W, Local 8 of Rossford, Ohio.  He was a 38-year member of Lynn C. Weeman American Legion Post 514, Ida, where he volunteered his time serving veterans and community, enjoying the company of many friends. Joe was well respected due to his extreme kindness, ethics, warmth, friendly smile and open heart.

Joseph is survived by his lifetime partner, Judy Schultz; daughters, Kristine (Steve) Smilax-Simpson, Lisa (John) Woycitzky; sister, Carol White, step-sisters, Nancy (David) Maiville and Barbara Simmit; grandchildren, Joanae Greenawalt, Steven (Jennifer) Lemmon, Ryan (Sara) Curtis, and Kayla (Ryan) Chambers, great-grandchildren Collin, Bayla, Lakelyn, Caroline, Benjamin, Amelia, Colton, and Connor; nieces, Elizabeth White, Suzanne White, Kimberly Pisano; nephew, Scott (Kimberly) Haack; step-nephews, Stewart Simmit and Gregory Simmit; cousins, Suzanne (Gregory) Wobser and Gregory Wobser II.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Bernita Smilax, sister, Constance Kay Smilax, step-brother, Thomas Haack as well as his great-granddaughter, Alayna Leigh and many close family members.

The funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 8330 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI where visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the narthex.  Military Honors will follow the mass conducted by the Lynn C. Weeman American Legion Post 514 and the Lambertville VFW Post 9656.  A celebration of life will follow at Lynn C. Weeman Post 514, 11601 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, MI 48182.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in Joseph’s name at the Lynn C. Wyman Post, 514, 11601 Lewis Ave., Temperance, MI 48182. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com.