Francis H. "Smitty" Smith

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

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