Francis Peter Smith

Obituary FRANCIS (Frank) PETER SMITH, JR. Francis Peter Smith, Jr. went to heaven to join his beloved wife Donna on April 10, 2015, after a full life of 95 years. Frank was born on September 21, 1919 in Denver Colorado to Francis and Mildred Smith. He served as a B-17 pilot in the Army Air Corps during WW2 flying out of Thorps Abbott in England. He was shot down in 1943, taken prisoner and held at Stalag Luft One near Barth Germany. He was freed when German guards abandoned the camp in May 1945 immediately ahead of the Russian invasion. Frank briefly worked for the fledgling Atomic Commission as a draftsman for the atom bomb, installed lawns, and delighted in his third job as a Los Alamos police sergeant. During the Korea, he was recalled into the military. He went on to have a long career in the Air Force OSI involving criminal investigation, counterespionage, and dignitary protection. After retiring as a Lt. Colonel, Frank enjoyed driving young people as a bus driver with the Clover Park School District for 10 years. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; son, Matthew; daughters, Theresa and Frances. He is survived by sons Jim (Judy) and Ralph (Michelle) of Tacoma, Larry of Lakewood, Tony (Kathie) of Ocean Park, Washington and daughter Sharon (John) Mahe of Henderson, Nevada; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Frank was a devout Catholic and supported VFW, DAV and Wounded Warriors programs. Frank will be forever missed by his family, friends and his country for a job well done! A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Lakewood. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.