Frank R. Smith, 85, of Watervliet, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024 at his residence.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 24 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Monday. Burial with Military Rites will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Watervliet. Those wishing to share a memory or leave a message for the family online may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Frank was born July 6, 1938 in Fennville, Michigan to Leon and Victoria Smith. Following high school, he served his country in the U.S. Army. Part of his tour included spending time in Germany, where he almost crossed paths with Elvis Presley who was also serving at that time. Frank had retired from the St. Joseph Public School system where he worked for over 30 years in custodial and maintenance services.
In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching games on TV. Frank loved working on projects in his multiple garages. He enjoyed mowing the grass and kept a well manicured garden with his wife Linda. He was a league and tournament bowler for over 60 years, and had won a $1,000 prize in the Hamtramck Singles Tournament near Detroit in 1979. Frank also had an artistic flair and created many displays and portraits over the years.
Frank is survived by his wife Linda whom he married in 1962; his two sons, Frank (Jennifer) Smith Jr. of Benton Harbor and Leon (Cheryl) Smith of Watervliet; several grandchildren; and his brother Gene Rose.
He was preceded in death by a son, Terry; brothers Alfred, Clarence and Nick Jr.; and his sister Ann.