Frank Howard Smith, 78, of Bay City passed from his earthly home to the waiting arms of his loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 1, 2006. He was born June 21, 1927 in Charco, TX to the late Henry Alonzo and Emma Elizabeth Hall Smith.
Frank served in the Texas Defense Guard as a Sergeant in E. Company, 47th Battalion and in the Texas State Guard as a Corporal in the Same Company and Battalion. On June 7, 1946 he enlisted in the US Army, serving in both Berlin, Germany and Panama as a Corporal in the Military Police Corps and as a light duty truck driver vehicle and was honorably discharged on May 24, 1949, receiving both the good conduct medal and marksman rifle M-I status. On December 6, 1949, he enlisted in the Ready Reserve (active status) as a Corporal where he received an honorable discharge upon serving faithfully until July 14, 1954.
On June 19, 1953, Frank married Margaruett Joy (Kyle) and they settled in Sweeny, TX to start a home and family. In 1961, they moved to Bay City to be closer to his parents and built a new home on Lindsey Ave. They raised four children together until her unexpected death in 1989.
Frank retired from Phillips Petroleum Company refinery in Old Ocean in 1985 as a gauger after 34 loyal and dedicated years of employment. His retirement years were spent doing the things that he loved the most: sharing time with his children and family and participating in their many activities.
On October 10, 1998, Frank remarried, exchanging vows with Rose Williamson who became his constant companion, best friend and care giver the rest of his days.
Survivors include his wife Rose of Bay City; his four children: son Kyle and wife Laura of El Campo; daughters: Elizabeth Gay and husband Glenn Ward Easterly of Thornton, TX; Mary Ann Knowles & husband John of Seabrook, TX, and Jacqueline Lea Webber & husband Kelly John of Bay City: grandchildren: Erin & Megan Smith, Laura Elizabeth Harrell,Glenn "Bubba" Ward Easterly, Jr, Kimberly Knowles, Brandi Lee Hudson, & Christopher Webber. Great Grandchildren: Alayna Harrell and Katelyn Hudson. brother: Henry Alonzo Smith & wife Kate Nederland, TX and their children, Ronnie Smith & wife Donna, and Debbie Burton; sister: Mary Beth Etie of Bay City. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death; son Frank Howard Smith, Jr.; and granddaughter: Crystaline Dawn Webber.
Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Bro. Joe Wrape officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Smith, Kelly Webber, John Knowles, Glenn Easterly, "Bubba" Easterly and Chris Webber. Honorary Pallbearers will be Arthur Wagner, Clark Bergstrom, Bill Sifford, and all employees of Matagorda Rehab & Nursing Center in Bay City. The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros, Funeral Home Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorials may be made to the El Campo Hospice, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo, TX 77437.
The assistance and tender loving care of the nursing staff during his last few weeks is much appreciated and will never be forgotten. Also special appreciation is also extended the Hospice groups. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City (979) 245-4613.