Cork Smalley

Corliss “Cork” Smalley was born January 12, 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa, to William and Blanche. He idolized his older brother, William Jr. (Billy). The two brothers grew up on the campus of Drake University, spending many hours with their father and grandfather who were both employed by Drake. Their grandparents were from Sweden, and Swedish pastries were a part of their daily life.

Cork graduated from Des Moines Technical High School and served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. He returned to Des Moines to study business at AIB, and then much to his disappointment was drafted into the Korean War by the U.S. Army. Upon discovering that he could type, the Army assigned him to the typist pool (stateside). Following the war, he received his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Iowa State University.

One week after he met his future wife, Barbara, during her freshman year at Drake University, he posed this question: “When I go into a store and find a tie that I like, I buy it. I like you and would like to go steady.” Despite the fact that she wanted to meet other guys on campus and would not go steady, he managed to take her on a date every weekend from then on. They were married on September 1, 1957 and were blessed with three children and six grandchildren.

Cork pursued multiple career interests throughout his life. He owned and operated a camping store, and was a planner for Anderson Engineering Design, where he designed whole suburbs, planned communities, was involved with city and county development, and numbered all the streets in Polk County except West Des Moines. He was a planner for a Metro County Agency, designed houses for a contractor, and was a planner for the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Outside of work, Cork treasured time with family. He took pleasure in watching his children participate in the activities they loved, including girls’ softball, Junior Riflemen, Indian Guides, photography, and theater. He enjoyed 25 years of family camping vacations in Iowa, Minnesota and Canada. He had a passion for gardening, and created beautiful garden landscapes at his home. He served on the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association’s Beautification Committee for many years. For 14 years he volunteered in inner-city ministries, for America’s Family Coaches and for Freedom For Youth.

Cork had a dry, quick wit and could conjure up a joke for anyone at any time. It was a joy to accompany him on outings, as he entertained every clerk he encountered at retail stores.

Above all else, Cork was a deeply faithful servant of God. He honored God with his whole heart, soul, mind and strength. At 6’4” tall, he was a “Peaceful Giant” wherever he went, carrying the presence of Christ with him and embodying Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” His faith inspired 40 years of artwork that he called “Testimoniart.” He designed and created hundreds of one-of-a-kind crosses and plaques, and many pieces of jewelry. His signature design is the Bethlehem Cross with a descending dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit entering each Believer’s heart.

Cork joined his Lord and Savior on March 28, 2018. He is lovingly remembered by his adoring wife of 60 years, Barbara; sons Bob Smalley, Ken (Tracy) Smalley; daughter Janelle (Bob) Chonka; grandchildren Chelsy Smalley, John Chonka, Brock Chonka, Erin (Josh) Prock, Laura Smalley, and Andrew Smalley; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends, all of whom he passionately loved and prayed for.

Memorials may be sent to (BNA) Beaverdale Neighborhood Association Beautification Committee, PO Box 30175, Des Moines, IA 50310, Iowa Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or New Hope Assembly of God Church.

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