Franklin Smith

FRANK SMITH SANDY, UT -- Franklin Edward Smith, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away May 16, 2009, at his home in Sandy, Utah, of natural causes related to age. He was 96 years old. Frank was greatly loved by his family and all who knew him. He was a kind man known for his dedication to his family and friends, his generosity and his great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. Frank was born in Cache Junction, Utah, on June 24, 1912. He was born to Edward E. and Phebe May Weaver Smith. He moved with his family to Malad, Idaho, in 1922, where he completed grade school and graduated from Malad High School in 1930. He attended the University of Idaho from 1930-35, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry Reserve. He fell in love with and married his high school sweetheart, Nettie Pierce, on June 29, 1937. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 18, 1957. They had three children: Douglas Pierce Smith, Phyllis Smith, and Bruce Lee Smith. He worked for the Idaho Bureau of Highways from 1935-40. Then, Frank's military service took him and his family to many different places. They lived in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Mexico, much of it in conjunction with the Manhattan Project. After his military service, he and his family settled in Boise in 1947, where he worked for the Bureau of Highways and then two construction contractors. In 1949, he began working for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and moved his family to Idaho Falls in 1950, where he continued working at the AEC until 1972; then for Arrington Construction for 5 years. He was active in several state and national engineering societies, serving in various offices and as a member of the Idaho Board of Engineering Examiners for over 15 years. He was a Licensed Professional Engineer since 1937. He was active in the Boy Scout program for over 50 years. He was an Eagle Scout and a Silver Beaver. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions in branches, wards and stakes. He was an officiator at the Idaho Falls Temple for 15 years. Frank enjoyed being with Nettie, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren very much. He enjoyed genealogical research and telling stories about his pioneer ancestors; he loved "home repair" projects and gardening. He and Nettie had a beautiful rose garden and a lovely vegetable garden and delighted in sharing with neighbors and friends. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Nettie, a son, Douglas Pierce Smith, a baby daughter, Phyllis, two sisters, LaBlanche and Verrell, and three brothers, John, David, and Nathan. He is survived by a son, Bruce and daughter-in-law Jan Smith, Murray, UT; daughter-in-law Carol Smith, Murray; 10 grandchildren and their spouses: Jeff and Melissa Smith, Provo; Liz and Mike Mower, Murray; David Smith, Murray; Jennifer and Jeff Crane, Lehi; Lori and Nate Walnum, Phoenix, AZ; Sarah and Jason Dunn, Taylorsville; Robert and Karin Smith, Taylorsville; Greg Smith, San Salvador, El Salvador; Richard Smith, Taylorsville; Alison Smith, Murray. He is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren, and his sister Beth Hedrick of Boise. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 22, 2009, at the Idaho Falls LDS 24th Ward, 1155 First Street. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and Friday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. There will be an additional viewing on Wednesday, May 20th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 4760 South State St., Murray, UT. Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery near Malad under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Roger Corless roger_corless@yahoo.com Frank Smith is one of those truly great men who touched my life. He was a great scoutmaster. He is the father of a great friend. Most of all, he was a good friend to our family. When Dad was laid up with 2 broken legs, Frank Smith was his most regular visitor, in spite of his busy schedule. Dad told me on several occasions how much his visits meant to him during that trying time. Terry & Debbie Orme We express our sympathy to your family. We met your parents 34 years ago when we moved into the 24th ward as newly weds. What a wonderful example to all. We treasure the friends we made in 24th Ward and the special people on Delbert Drive. Nathan Cleveland My deepest sympathy to all of you for your loss of such a great man. My greatest joy for his reunion with his eternal companion, our Father, and our Savior. John Corless corlessj@csus.edu He was a great neighbor and scouter. He lived accross the street from us for several years. He took very good care of his wife and her father. Carrie Corless Stephenson paulandcarrie@frontiernet.net In behalf of my mother and myself, we would like you to know how happy we were when the Smiths moved across the from us on 11th Street. We enjoyed all the family and are thankful for the scouting service Frank gave to our family and the troop. He always had an interest in the males of our family. Besides his bedside visits and walks with our family patriarch, he was a most enthusiastic member of the genealogy class taught by John Corless. He will be remembered for his cheerful, kind ways. Norm Coyne ncoyne@ida.net| Your dad was the greatest. He was a great scouter. I knew him for many years when I lived in the 24th ward. He was simply inspiring. His wife was my third grade teacher. I wish the very best as you remember all of the pleasant memories of your dad. Dane Watkins thewatkinscompany@cs.com I want to send my condolences on the recent passing of your father. He will be missed by all who knew him, He was a great person and his outstanding accomplishments will always be remembered by our community. Sherry and I want you to know that out prayers are with you and your family.