Franklin G. Smith III of Deepwater, Missouri was born on August 17, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri to Frank Smith II and Verna Sheets Smith. He earned the nickname “Butch” while growing up working in the stockyards with his grandfather Pops Neitch. Butch was the eldest of three children. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son Shane Smith. He graduated from Center Highschool in Kansas City, Missouri in 1965.
Butch met Sandra Morgan in 1976 in Blue Springs, Missouri. They were united in marriage on April 25, 1976. They have been married for forty seven years filled with hunting, fishing, and lovin!
Butch was drafted into the Army on September 7, 1965 during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany, then transferred to the Republic of South Vietnam. He participated in the Tet Offensive, receiving the Gallantry Cross. He later received a Purple Heart Medal for injuries received during his combat tour in Vietnam. His service to other Veterans continued as he assisted with group counseling sessions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Initially, Butch owned his own diesel shop in Southern Missouri, then moved to Kansas City and worked at Cummings Diesel Shop as a mechanic. Finally, Butch worked at Consolidated Freightways for 30 years in Kansas City, Missouri until retirement. During retirement he continued to enjoy hunting and fishing. One of his favorite hobbies was helping develop and maintain the Grand River hunting lodge in Urich, Missouri.
Butch leaves behind his wife Sandra of 47 years, his three daughters: DeAmbra Airrington of Oak Grove, MO, Melody Queenan of Cuba, Illinois, and Alissa Chumley of San Diego, CA. He was preceded in death by his son, Shane Smith. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also, he leaves behind his two sisters, Debbie Smith of Independence, MO and Sharon Brown of Blue Springs, Mo. He also leaves behind many friends, fellow Veterans, and extended family members
Leave a Reply