Wayne G. Smith, Jr., of Porter, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003 at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago. He was 51.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen, a daughter, Julie Smith (Mark Laughlin) of South Haven; 2 sons, Wayne Jeffrey Smith and Jonathan Smith, both at home; a grandson, Jeffrey D. Stokes; parents, Wayne G. Sr., and Vivian Smith of Cromwell; a sister, Rebecca Smith of Syracuse; 3 aunts, Betty (Curren) Malone and Polly (Labon) Donahue, both of Russellville, Ala. and Gladys Buckner of Lincoln Park, Mich. and several cousins.

He was a Portage area resident for most of his life and was a Portage High School graduate, Class of 1971. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era and was a ironworker with Ironworkers Local #395. Wayne was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Hoosier Mopar Club.

Funeral services, Pastor Mike Cloud officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave, Portage. Interment will be at Chesterton Cemetery.

Visitation is scheduled from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to either the Portage or Westchester Food Pantry.

Posted 11/12/2003