Frank Thomas Smith

In the early hours of Saturday, November 16, 2024, Franklin Thomas Smith, 85, went home to be with his Lord. Frank was born December 26, 1938 in Shawnee, Ohio to Carl and Sylvia (Smith) Smith. He met the love of his life, Amelia Cox, in second grade. They married on December 7, 1957 and built a beautiful life and legacy together. He worked as a foreman at Nicofibers until his retirement, later working for Head Start and Perry County Transit. Additionally, he served as Shawnee Mayor for a period of time, and also as a council member. He was a member and pillar of the Walnut Street Church of Christ in Shawnee, where his church also became his family. He touched so many lives with his faith and love for Jesus, who is his best friend.

If wealth was measured in a family’s love, it could easily be said that Frank was the richest man in the world; his family is also rich because we are able to call him ours. He loved his family deeply and took pride in all the things they did, no matter how big or small. He was his family’s steady, calming presence who shared such wisdom; he just had a special way about him. He loved woodworking and old cars, tinkering in his garage. He often brought his children, son and grandson-in-laws, or grandkids alongside him as he worked, teaching them handyman and life skills. His beautifully restored furniture sits in many of his family’s homes.

Most certainly, he and his wife broke records for highest attendance for ball games, activities, and school events- they were endlessly supportive and present, and his family is aware of and grateful for the immense gift that has been. They taught their family so much about living a Christian life, love and family. He was able to deliver tough love and difficult lessons in the most gentle of ways; he brought such comfort with his words, a look, or even just his presence. He loved Shawnee and the surrounding community; he loved telling stories of his childhood and showing both his kids and grandkids the beauty of the area through walks, hikes, berry picking and mushroom hunting adventures when they were young.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Sylvia Smith; three sisters: Eva Brown, Trudy Coates, and Mary Williams; and three brothers: Carl Smith Jr., Melvin Smith and Randall Smith. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Amelia (Cox) Smith, of Shawnee; three daughters: Dana (Rick) Gottke of Shawnee, Dawn (Jeff) Eveland of Shawnee, Joyce (Dave) Osborne of Shawnee; two sons: Todd (Ashley) Smith of Georgia, and Joseph (Ingrid) Smith of North Carolina; 19 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren (with another joining the family soon), countless nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends.

Faithful to his spirit of helping others and passing on wisdom, Frank donated his body to OSU for the purpose of teaching young physicians and scientists. We know that this is just another way that his legacy will carry on and touch countless lives.

A memorial service will be held at the Walnut Street Church of Christ on Wednesday, November 20th at 2pm.

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