Francis H. "Smitty" Smith
July 15, 2012
Francis H. Smith “Smitty”, 95, died July 15, 2012 in Overland Park, KS. He was born March 9, 1917 to Harvey and Minnie (Kalkoffen) Smith on a farm near Greenfield, Iowa.
He was married to Mary Orlich from 1939 until her death in May 1986. They had two daughters, Sherilyn and Lynnea.
In 1987, Smitty married Eve Holcomb and inherited a fine extended family from his loving wife.
From age 19 until he retired, Smitty owned various businesses in Des Moines, including a Cities Service station on the corner of Fleur Drive and Army Post Rd., and a rental company on Army Post Rd., which still stands today.
He was president of Ft. Des Moines Methodist Church’s Board of Directors, treasurer during the church’s expansion/new construction in the late 50’s.
Smitty was truly one of “The Greatest Generation”. He was a B-24 “Liberator” pilot during WW II, in Europe, and Africa. He continued to serve his country in Air Force reserve status for many years, including as liaison officer for the US Air Force Academy, retiring as Lt. Colonel.
Smitty was preceded in death by his wife Mary and his daughter Sherilyn. He is survived by his daughter Lynnea Hagen of San Jose, CA.; twin grandsons, Joshua and Aaron Quinn; his wife of 25 years, Eve; two stepsons, Mark and Denny Holcomb, four grandkids and seven “greats”; plus a passel of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home with Life Celebration and reception at 1 p.m. followed by a graveside military tribute at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 3 p.m.
www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Ron Hagen
07/24/2012
Fran has been a part of my life for over 20 years now. We shared many wonderful family times, first in Santa Barbara, then San Jose, and later in Overland Park.
I came to know and respect him as a man of principal, and a true Christian. He also had a hard headed side like me. Must have been the German in both of us.
I think my best memories are the many road trips I cajoled him into taking to the far reaches of the state of Kansas. We visited Atchison, Amilia Erhart's home, Fort Scott, Fort Leavenworth and Eisenhower's boyhood home in Abilene. "just a few more miles Fran, I'd say " . He was a always a good sport. Once, on the way back from one of these road trips, he realized we weren't gonna make it home without a pee break, so we stopped along side the road. Sure as hell, who rolls up just as he started doing his business but a Kansas State Trooper. Didn't phase Fran one bit. "Whadda you doing the Trooper says. Just watering the flowers, Fran replied" and flashed him a big grin.
He truly was one of The Greatest Generation, and will be missed by all of us.
Jill Freel
07/22/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you Eve and Lynnea. Uncle Francis was very special to me. I used to love going to play at his house when I was little. I remember the love and support he gave to my mom and she was so happy visiting him in California. It was fun visiting in Kansas city... I wish I would have seen you all more. He was one of the kindest men I've ever known and always made me feel special. He was honored in a beautiful way today. I will miss him. Love to you. Jill freel
Debbie and Bob Morlan
07/22/2012
We lost our dad last Dec at the age of 96. So blessed to have them for so long and yes it was a generation like there will never be and very few left. We will pray for you and your family.