Paul Smith Carter, age 83, passed away surrounded by his family on March 18, 2011. Paul was born on June 2, 1927 in Salt Lake City, Utah to a prominent pioneer family. Pauls mother, Lucy Mack Smith, was the daughter of Joseph F. Smith the 6th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Paul was the Great Grandson of Hyrum Smith brother to Joseph Smith Jr., the 1st president of the LDS church. Lucy Mack Smith and Ralph Charles Carter had seven children together of which Paul was the youngest. One of Pauls favorite quotes was I had three older brothers and three older sisters, a perfectly balanced family until I came along, its been unbalanced ever since. Paul served in the US Navy from April 6, 1945 until April 26, 1948 and received an honorable discharge as a storekeeper second class. After the Navy, Paul served a three year mission in Japan for the LDS Church. He loved to share stories about his Navy and missionary experiences with family and friends. Paul never met a stranger; he loved to talk and was always willing to share his testimony about his faith and beliefs. Paul received a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah. He then moved to Washington DC where he met his future wife, Shelby Westbrook. Paul and Shelby were married on October 26, 1958 in the home of Ralph and Ida Carter in Allen Park Michigan. In 2010 they celebrated their 52 wedding anniversary together. Paul and Shelby had four children; Owaissa Carter Vanderberg (Kent), Clermont, Florida; Matthew Charles Carter who died at birth; Mark Smith Carter (Holly) Muskegon, Michigan; Shannon Lee Carter Arthur (Cliff) Lodi, Wisconsin. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters: Helen Mar Carter Monson, Ralph Charles Carter, Lucy Mae Carter Silver, Jason Carter, and Margaret Jean Carter Kafer. Paul leaves behind his wife of 52 years, his children Owaissa, Mark, and Shannon; 13 grandchildren, McKenzi, Duncan, and Hayden Vandenberg of Clermont, Florida (Owaissas children); Stacy Hamilton of Hesperia, Michigan, Christapher Carter (Michelle) Fort Drum, New York; Heather Carter of Port Richey, Florida, Alexandria and Olivia Carter of Muskegon, Michigan (Marks children); Aaron, John, Anna, Rebekah, and Emily Arthur of Lodi, Wisconsin (Shannons children); and 6 Great grandchildren; Morgan Logan and Justice of Hesperia, Michigan (Staceys children); Jacob, Isabelle and Dillon of Fort Drum, New York (Christaphers children). Paul loved animals and at one time was feeding 17 feral cats on his front and back porch. Paul loved mother earth and planted trees wherever he could. Pauls children remember him singing them to sleep at night and all of the family camping trips. Paul and his positive attitude, friendly smile, and firm hand shake will be missed by all who knew him. For a lasting memorial, plant a tree in his honor, enjoy a sunset or sunrise, or donate to your local Hospice House or The American Diabetic Society. Funeral Services for Paul will be under the direction of the Crandell Funeral Home in Fremont, MI. Family and Friends may be with the family for viewing between 9 and 11am March 21, 2011 at the Crandell Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11am March 21, 2011 at the Crandell Funeral Home. Interment will be at the East Hesperia Cemetery later this spring.