Francis "Frank" Smith

Francis (“Frank” to most and “Pops” to me) Smith, 70, of St. Marys, was called home to be with his Lord on February 2, 2026. He passed of natural causes, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and stories that may or may not have grown slightly with each telling.

Born May 3, 1955, to Arnold and Nelva Smith, Frank grew up with strong roots, a big heart, and a lifelong love of family, faith, and a good ballgame.

He is lovingly survived by his daughter, Heather Crouch (Ty Dickerson); Heather’s mother, Loretta Knatz; his mother, Nelva Smith; siblings Vivian (Carl) Fly, Mike Smith, Roger (Stacey) Smith, and Hope Smith (John Schmidt); grandchildren Lucas (Deandra) Coldiron, Malachai Crouch, Raven Crouch (Colton McCafferty), and Prestin Godfrey; great-grandson Jaxon McCafferty, the undeniable apple of his eye; another great-grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews who knew him as the fun uncle with the big laugh.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his father, Arnold Smith; sisters Darlene Smith and Teresa Hunter; brother Doug Smith; his son Jamison Godfrey; daughter-in-law Jessica Godfrey; and granddaughter Kelsey Godfrey, with whom we are sure he is already catching up.

Frank graduated with the Class of 1974 from New Bremen High School before studying Christian radio and sports broadcasting at Toccoa Falls College in Georgia. He spent most of his working years in the manufacturing industry, with side journeys into retail management and enthusiastic years umpiring high school softball games. He worked long hours, often seven days a week, and somehow still found the energy to show up for the people and things he loved.

A loyal sports fan to the very end, Frank faithfully cheered on the Ohio State Buckeyes (Go Bucks!), the Dallas Cowboys, and the Cincinnati Reds — even during the rotten years that tested both faith and patience.

Frank also considered himself something of a “food connoisseur.” His idea of fine dining included quarter pounders with cheese, peanut buster parfaits, and the legendary crunch wrap. He could often be found evaluating the steam tables at a Chinese buffet or making a strategic visit to Golden Corral. He never met a dessert he didn’t think deserved a second chance.

In his free time, Frank enjoyed collecting baseball cards, watching and attending WWE wrestling events, camping with family ( his campfires were always the biggest), listening to gospel and country music, tending to his garden, and hunting down “the deal of a lifetime” at local auctions.

See you later, Alligator. Fly high with the angels. Save us a seat, keep the stories ready, and wait at the Pearly Gates until we meet again. You will be forever missed. 

I love you. 

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held 1:00 P.M. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, Pastor Bob Warren, officiant. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina. 

Friends may call from 4-8 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. To honor Frank’s love of the OSU Buckeyes, his family asks that you wear OSU clothing.

Memories and condolences may be sent to Frank’s family via Millerfuneralhomes.net