Burton M. Priest

Burton M. "Burt" Priest, age 88, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Schnepp Health Care Center, St. Louis, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Burt was born in St. Louis, Michigan on October 3, 1937, the son of Howard Maitland and Bernice Celeste (Wilson) Priest. Burt graduated from St. Louis High School. He married Patricia Ann Pyman on August 3, 1956, in St. Louis at Burt's parents' house. Burt worked in security for Dow Corning for many years and he was a lifelong hobby farmer. He was passionate about farming and took great pride in the hard work and dedication it required. Burt also drove truck for Bebow Farms for 50 years. He is survived by his wife Patricia Priest of St. Louis, MI; his children: Debra and Carl John Woodcock of Plymouth, MI; Vickie and Dan Underwood of Elsie, MI; Carol and Richard Prestage of Alma, MI; and Kenneth Priest of St. Louis, MI; his grandchildren: Jason Teed, Courtney Prestage, Lucas Woodcock, Keri and Jerome Tillman, Andrew Woodcock, Jeremy Rogers, Zebadiah Priest, Chloe and Devon Walker, Noah Prestage, Katie Underwood, Alexis Underwood, and Cameron Schoenknecht. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Maitland and Bernice Priest, siblings: Melvin Priest, Beverly Long, Chuck Cox, Robert Priest, and Barbara Priest. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.