John "Phil" Smith, Father of 2, Was Known For His Sense of Humor

John Philip Smith of Saline, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, June 18, at the age of 88. 

Phil was born in Dearborn, Michigan, on June 24, 1931, the son of Royal Lewis Smith and Emma Louis Smith. Phil was a 1949 graduate of Dearborn High.

He was a member of the Saline Mason Lodge #133 and First Presbyterian Church of Milan.  He enjoyed building and flying radio controlled airplanes and was a lifetime member of the Toledo Weak Signals RC Club.  

Phil was known for his sense of humor and quick wit and will be missed by many.

Survivors include his children, Lisa (Steven) Carter of Saline and Gary (Patty) Smith of Plymouth, as well as grandchildren Ryan (Kathy) Carter and Eric Carter. He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth Ann Smith. Friends are invited to celebrate John’s life with his family on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Oakwood Cemetery in Saline, with a gathering starting at 10:30 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to honor Phil's lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will also be available at the cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline. To sign John's guestbook, to leave a memory, or for more information or directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

More News from Saline

• Here's the Lineup for the Saline Food Truck Festival Make plans for the Saline Food Truck Festival, happening at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 28.
• Mark Schneemilch, Leaves a Legacy of Laughter, Kindness, and Unwavering Love for His Family Mark Jay Schneemilch, age 69, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025.