Louis E. Smith, age 88, of Battle Creek, died Saturday December 30, 2017 at the Oaks at Northpointe Woods. Louis was born April 22, 1929 in Battle Creek, to Leroy and Irene (Beatty) Smith. Louis married Virginia Lawrence in 1951 and together they raised three children. The marriage ended in divorce. He was first employed by the Enquirer and News, and then B&B Printing as office manager and dark room operator, proof reader, for 34 years, retiring in 1995. Louis was a longtime Homing Pigeon trainer and racer and was a member of the Homing Pigeon Club. In his earlier life he enjoyed dancing and was an active horseback rider and later trained and raced his own horses. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and training hunting dogs. Louis was great at doing his own carpenter work and was a talented singer, guitarist and artist. Louis is survived by his daughters, Linda VanNocker, of Battle Creek, Karen (Rusty)Morgan of Allegan, a son, Jon (Kristal) Smith, of Battle Creek, four grandchildren, Eric Harvey, Brandon Smith, Jacob Smith, and Brianna (William) VanVaulkenburg, one great grandchild, Liam VanVaulkenburg, sisters, Sheryl Coffman, Mavis Hudson and Anelda VanDorston, all of Battle Creek, a brother, Ira Smith of Texas. Also longtime companion, Phyllis Hunt of Middlebury, Indiana. Louis was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Leroy Smith Jr. A special thanks to the staff at The Oaks at Northpointe Woods for their genuine compassion and high level of care given to Louis and his family over the past year. Graveside memorial services will be held 1:00 PM Friday January 12th, at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army. Arrangements are by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. www.bachmanhebble.com.