Franklin
Gerald D. Smith, who farmed the Smith Family Farm for nearly 50 years in Franklin, Indiana, was born in Providence, Indiana at home on December 22, 1938, to Ivory and Delphia Long Smith and peacefully passed at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis, IN on December 16, 2022, at 83. He was a graduate of Franklin High School in 1957 where he was a member of Future Farmers of America. He completed 10 years of 4-H and attended Purdue University Farm Short Course. He then enlisted in the US Air Force Reserve for 6 years and was called to active duty for the Cuban Missile Crisis during that time.
On June 28, 1959, he married Barbara Herring at Providence Christian Church in Union Township, Johnson County, IN and was blessed with 63 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Herring) Smith of Franklin, IN, his son Stacy Smith (Sara) of Oconomowoc, WI, and his daughter Susan Smith Grutza (Ralph) of Brazil, IN, his granddaughter, Mallory Zimmer (Brad) of Oconomowoc, WI, two great-grandchildren Julian and Clara; and his brother, Merrill Smith (Flora) of Franklin, IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dee and Iris Smith; his Sister-in-Law, Kathleen Smith; and his grandson, Justin Smith.
He was elected and served for several years on the Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service (ACSC) for Johnson County. He became a member of Union Christian Church in 1947, where he served as Deacon and on various Committees. After retirement from farming, Gerald became an avid golfer and was proud to be an employee of Deer Valley Golf Course, Amity, Indiana, and Lemon Bay Golf Club in Englewood, Florida, where they had a winter residence for 40 years.
Gerald was very proud of his love and dedication to farming on the Smith Farm as well as his family. Gerald felt very blessed to raise his family on the farm where he moved in 1944 and lived for 78 years.
His family will greet friends from 12:30 pm to 3:00pm on Thursday, December 22, 2022, with the funeral service following visitation at 3:00 P.M. at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center at 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, Indiana, 46131. The funeral will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com. Pastor Mark Parkinson and Doug Weddle will conduct the service. Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin with military honors conducted by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Christian Church, 1331 East 300 South, Franklin, Indiana, 46131 or Union Health Foundation, 1606 N. 7th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana, 47804. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
