Franklin Delano Smith, 85 years old of Bevier, Missouri, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018

Franklin Delano Smith, 85 years old of Bevier, Missouri, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri. Frank was born November 10, 1932 in Galt, Missouri to Phillip and Effie (Bennett) Smith. Frank married Esther (Heiple) Smith, 52 years ago, she survives of the home.

Also surviving: five sons, Bill Smith of Spickard, Missouri; Bob Smith and wife Lesa of Milan, Missouri, Russell Smith and wife Lisa of Milan, David Smith and wife Michelle of Bevier, and Ben Smith of Atlanta, Missouri; one daughter, Sue Hunt and husband Bill of Gallatin, Missouri; 15 grandchildren; brothers, Lowell Smith and wife Annabelle of Chillicothe, Missouri, Roger Smith and wife Darlene of Spring, Texas, Gordon Smith and wife Rosie of Liberty, Missouri, and Richard Smith and wife Linda of Chillicothe; and sisters, Jean Griesbach of Chillicothe, and Shirley Cox of Richardson, Texas. He was preceded in death by: his parents and a brother, Wendell Leon Smith.

Frank and Esther have lived in Bevier since May of 1976, living in Milan and Laredo for several years before. They have owned and operated grocery stores in Higginsville, Laredo, Galt, and Chillicothe, and also had a Laundromat, Pool Hall, and a Western Auto. As a young man Frank was a member of a Vocal Quartet with friends that traveled and sang, and later he was a 4-H Leader, school board member, and Treasurer of the Lions Club. Frank served in the United States Air Force in Korea, during the Korean War. He also enjoyed bowling in a league.

Funeral services for Frank will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Schoene-Ruschmeier Funeral Home in Milan. Burial will follow at the Berry Cemetery, North of Galt. A visitation is scheduled for one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00 PM.