Damien Smith

Damien Brandon Smith, 37, of Central Lake, left his earthly home and entered paradise on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. He was born on December 9, 1977, in Portsmouth, Virginia, the son of Don Smith and Robin Sommer. Damien was a lifelong resident of Central Lake, graduating from Central Lake High School in 1996. He enjoyed playing basketball, football, and participating in MMA Fight League. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, boating, and family bonfires. He was a loyal fan of the Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions. Damien was affectionately known by his family and friends as "Hillbilly, Chuck, and Smitty". Damien's two biggest fans were his little cheerleaders Nyilee and Diamond. He considered himself a lucky man, being given two healthy baby girls and loved watching them grow and learn. Surviving Damien are the loves of his life, his precious girls Nyilee and Diamond and his best friend and their mother, Candace Jaruzel. Also, his parents Robin (Nate) Sommer of Central Lake and Don (Melissa King) Smith of Traverse City, brother Dylan (Samantha) Sommer of Eastport, sister Sophie Sommer of Central Lake, grandparents Richard and Lacorda Smith of Elk Rapids, Carolyn Brown and Francis and Jinks Rogers of East Jordan, Dick and Carol Sommer of Central Lake, Bill and Bonnie King of Kingsley, aunts and uncles Julie Rogers, Jay (Chris Meadows) Rogers, Bryan (Cindy) Rogers, Ken Rogers, Neil (Donna) Rogers, Dean (Karla) Rogers, Cathy (Greg) Lorenz, Ron (Julie) Smith, Doug (Cindy) Smith, Lisa (Alvin) Thomas, Rick Sommer, Tim (Shalene Glenn) Sommer, Beth Sommer, Trudy (John) Mann, Rhonda (Walt) Mann, Donna Brown, many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandpa Don Brown and his special friends Nate Miller and Chris "Paco" Eldrington. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, January 12, at 11 a.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Gary Bekkering officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Candace Jaruzel, for a special fund to help support Nyilee and Diamond. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.