Franklin D. Smith, 76, of Circleville, died Monday, Aug. 29, 2016, at his residence.
He was born Aug. 9, 1940, in Circleville, the third child of Leander Franklin and Verna (Mendenhall) Smith.
Frank graduated from Pickaway Twp. High School, Class of 1958, where he ran track and played basketball.
Following high school, Frank proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and went on to retire from DuPont after 38 years of dedicated service.
He was the current Quartermaster and life member of the VFW. He was also a member of AMVETS and the Eagles.
Throughout Frank’s life, he filled many shoes; son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, story teller, friend, horse trainer, fisherman, gourmet hillbilly chef, dog whisperer, Piper J-3 Cub pilot, armchair philosopher, hunter, beer drinker, prankster and one of the best people to walk the planet.
He was generous, called folks by their name and was always interested and concerned with everyone. Frank’s best day ever would be spending time together with his entire family, sharing stories, laughing, smiling and sipping on a Bud Light.
Frank’s life could never be summed up briefly in an obituary notice, he simply means too much to too many. He will eternally be remembered and live on in our hearts forever.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Dianne (Hudson) Smith; sisters, Carol Diltz and Pat Pauley; and brother-in-law, Bud Pauley.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife with whom he was blessed to share their 10th anniversary together, Diane (Bradley) Smith; his children, whom he dearly loved, Andy (Elaine) Shirey, Cindy (David) Sams and David (Lometa) Smith; grandchildren, Jonathan, A.J., Matthew and Audrey Shirey, Nathan Sams, Courtney, Sara, Frankie Smith, Jessica (Tee) Isarokul, Jenni (Bill) Bolton, JoAnna (Steve) Dorn and Kassandra Hooven; brothers, Dave (Debbie) Smith, Doug (Mary) Smith and Tom (Carolyn) Smith; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Frank shared a special relationship with his grandsons, Nathan and Frankie.
A memorial service celebrating Frank’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at Defenbaugh-Wise-Schoedinger Funeral Home, 151 E. Main St., Circleville, with Celebrant Andrew Hoover officiating. Inurnment with military honors provided by AMVETS Post 2256 Honor Guard to follow at Forest Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Berger Hospice, 1170 N. Court St., Circleville, OH 43113; or to Fisher House Foundation (to care for the families of ill or wounded soldiers/veterans), 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD, 20850.
To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
