Obituaries

Frank was born in Webb City Arkansas. He passed away peacefully at home in the company of family and was able to visit with many close friends before he passed. Frank was preceded in death by Joyce, his wife of 49 years.

A long time resident of Niles CA, Frank was a generous and active member of the local community, quick to make friends and able to strike up a spontaneous conversation with just about anyone (A gift he used frequently during his time at Smith?s Furniture Store in Niles). He and Joyce were members of the Friends of Heirloom Flowers Garden Club. They shared great enjoyment working in the nursery at Centerville Presbyterian Church together. In later years, Frank also became a member of the Victory Outreach Church in Hayward where he hosted a bible study group.

Frank and Joyce were founding members of local VFW Post 1917, where he served as treasurer. A veteran of three wars, Frank served in the South Pacific in World War II and was stationed in Japan during the reconstruction. His duty also called him to Korea and Vietnam where he served as a Chief Petty Officer. His last ship of service was the USS Mattaponi.

He is survived by his children Karen and Frank, grandchildren Devon and Kalli, sister Esther Waters of Gig Harbor WA, brothers; Gene Smith of Fremont CA, and Larry Smith of Arkansas.

Services are to be held on March 24, 2012 at 2pm at Centerville Presbyterian Church, 4360 Central Ave., Fremont, CA 94536. In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to your favorite charity in his name.