Frank E. Smith
Smith, Frank E., 82, loving husband, father and grandfather, former City of Wichita Director of Parks and Recreation and a founding partner of Oblinger Smith Land Planning Firm, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2011. Frank was passionate about nature, kind, optimistic, caring and deeply loved by his family. He was not only a man of character and determination, but also a man of love and generosity. A celebration of his life will be held at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 23 at Botanica, The Wichita Gardens. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Boyd W. and Nellie F. (Allen) Smith, and his brother, Boyd L. Smith, all formerly of Winfield. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty L. Smith; sister, Dorothy Hutton (Howard) of Shawnee; daughters, Kimberly Kerr (Gary), Karen Smith (Theresa Reece) and Alicia Illidge (Robert); grandchildren, Chris and Brad Dalton, Matt (Jennifer), Korie, Lacy, Ricky and Lauren Kerr, Joe and Mike (Eli) Biggs, Robert, Megan and Sean Illidge, and great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Joshua and Alexander Kerr. Memorials have been established with Botanica, 701 Amidon, Wichita, KS 67203 and Hospice Care of Kansas, 808 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67211. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.
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I met Mr. Frank Smith a couple of years before the National Bi-Centennial. I had envisioned a worlds fair scale celebration that would tell the American Indian version of the history of North America in Wichita. It involved extensive architectural development along the Arkansas River from the site of the since built Mid-America Indian Center south to Douglas. I was young, exuberant and surely a terror to deal with after spending a few years in NYC pursuing a career as a visual artist. Frank was the catalyst between my team, the Indian Center (who sponsored the project) and local government. He put all his resources behind the project – and Oblinger Smith had substantial resources. Through our many meetings with a plethora of city and county agency directors and elected officials Frank was the moderator. He had an amazing ability to understand precisely where each participant was coming from and translate that for the rest of us. He was really good at it. I gained a tremendous respect and admiration for Mr. Frank Smith. Surely all who came to know him discovered a grand human being. No matter how chaotic or pressured the situation, Frank was calm, articulate and never seemed to loose his innocence, that unique ability he had of seeing the whole picture – for all of us. In appreciation of Frank, in 1975 I gave him one of a suite of ten bronze reliefs I had made. I never saw him again. Hope he enjoyed it.
Betty Smith & family: I am saddened to learn of Frank’s passing and want to join your many friends in extending my sincere sympathy. Frank was a long time friend and colleague and I valued his friendship in business as well as personal relationships. I am with you and yours in thought and prayer.
To respond to Mr. McCreary – This is indeed the Frank Smith whose parents Nell & Boyd owned and operated Candyland in Winfield.
If this is the Frank Smith related to the candy store in Winfield many years ago, he was a good friend and fondly remembered.