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Dunlap – Franklin D. Smith, 76, of Dunlap, passed away at 11:33 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at Methodist Medical Center, Peoria.

Frank was born August 16, 1933, in Fillmore, IL, the son of Walter H. and Freta Kirkman Smith.  He married Carol Covington on June 20, 1953, in Dunlap.  She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Jay D. (Ellen) Smith of Dunlap; two granddaughters, Erin Smith and Emily Smith of Dunlap; and one sister, Judi (Wayne) Bryant of Washington.  His parents and one brother, Merrit Smith of Morris, IL, preceded him in death.

Frank served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 and was an active member of the Dunlap American Legion.  He worked at Caterpillar from 1951 to 1959, and then he went to work at C.A. Powley Trucking from 1959 to 1964.  Frank also worked as a real estate agent for Missen Realty and he also operated the Lucky 7 Tavern in Dunlap.  At last he worked as an electrician for J-Hulick Electric from 1970 to 1995, when he retired.  He also had a pilot’s license.

Frank was a member of the IBEW # 34, and a charter member of the Radnor Rod & Gun Club in Dunlap.  He was past member of the Dunlap Fire Department.  Frank was one of the founders of the Dunlap Recreation Association, and volunteered many hours as a coach, starting in 1955. He logged many hours on his truck dragging the diamonds.  He spent several hours building the dugouts for the baseball and softball fields at Dunlap High School, and recently installed new backstops at Dunlap Grade School.  Frank played for Dunlap American Legion of the Kickapoo Valley Baseball League, and also coached men’s fast pitch softball for several years.

Frank loved fishing, boating, and cooking with his granddaughters, and also teaching them softball.  He also loved the Dunlap American Legion.  Frank was proficient in all types of construction and was there to help family and friends at any time.

Cremation has been accorded and a memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m.  Saturday, June 12, 2010, at Prospect UnitedMethodist Church, Dunlap.  Rev. Mary Kathryn Pearce and Rev. Ardith Corsaw will officiate.  Visitation will be 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, at the church.  Burial of ashes will be at a later date in Prospect Cemetery, Dunlap.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to an education fund for his granddaughters established at Better Banks.

Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of arrangements.  

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