Richard Smith
Richard Lee Smith, 76, of rural Marion, died Sept. 13, 2005, at his home.
Born Dec. 2, 1928, at Tampa, he was the son of Frank and Ida Faye (Lamb) Smith.
Richard attended school in Tampa, graduating from Tampa High School.
On Oct. 17, 1959, he married Lenora Kracke at Woodbine Lutheran Church.
He was employed at Beech Aircraft for 40 years and worked as a foreman in the tool and die department. Upon his retirement in 1992, he went to work part-time for Marion Manufacturing. He also was caretaker for Grant Township Cemetery for more than 30 years.
Richard and Lenora served as foster parents for 16 years, opening their home to more than 20 children.
He enjoyed flying, becoming a pilot in the early 1980s. He also enjoyed reading, traveling, spending time at Marion Senior Center, and attending his grandchildren's school and athletic events.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, David; and two sisters, Lola and Dorothy.
Survivors include his wife, Lenora; three sons, Mark, Mickey, and John, all of Marion; two daughters, Christine Smith of Marion and Jolene Gayle of Florence; a brother, Bob Smith of Hillsboro; sister, Millie Riffel of Marion; and 10 grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday morning at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Marion.
Nanette Lowry sang "How Great Thou Art." Delores Westerman was pianist. Congregational hymns were "In the Garden" and "Amazing Grace."
Casket bearers were Mickey Smith, David Smith, Mark Smith, John Smith, Andrew Gayle, and Steve Gayle.
Burial was in Grant Township Cemetery.
Memorial funds have been established with Marion City Library, Florence Public Library, and Marion Senior Center.
