Frank J. Smith

Frank J. Smith beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, and uncle transitioned this life on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at the age of 87.

Frank was born on October 9, 1934, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Roscoe and Lucinda Smith.  His parents; his son, Robin Smith; his only brother, Robert Smith; his sister, Pearl Hines; and his stepdaughter, Belinda Sanchez, all preceded him in death. Frank was a long-time resident of Albuquerque.  He served in the United States Navy, where he met and married Mary Linn, on May 6, 1956. Frank and Mary had six children, Frank Jr., Lucinda, RoxAnne, Lydia, Robin, and Audra. He also gained three additional children from that union, Rose, Belinda, and Edward Sanchez.

While in the Navy, Frank served on the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), now known as the Navy Seals, and served two years in the Korean War. He received the United Nations, Korean Service, and National Defense medals for his service. After the war ended, he went on a 17-country tour aboard the USS Symbol (AM-123), the USS Impeccable (MSF-320), and the USS Greer County (LST-799). The USS Symbol and the USS Impeccable were commissioned for dangerous minesweeping operations. Frank left the Navy after 5 years and worked odd jobs until he opened his own business, Central Cabinet Shop. He later revamped his business under the name Edgewood Cabinet Shop and expanded it to include making furniture. Frank was an outstanding furniture maker and quite inventive. He would craft something as simple as a walking cane, then build something as elaborate as his own private airplane. Frank enjoyed working with his hands and made many friends over the years.

Before retiring, Frank also worked for EG&G, a Federal Contractor at Kirtland Air Force Base, for a period of time. In 1990, Frank met the love of his life, Louise Miller, and they were married on January 23, 1993. From that union, Frank gained three more children, Diana, James, and Kathryn Miller. Frank was accomplished in many areas. He was a licensed pilot, martial artist, bodybuilder, guitarist, hunter, fisherman, and sharpshooter. He was a true “jack of all trades.” His love for country music went hand-in-hand with his plaid shirts, cowboy hats and boots. Frank was also intrigued with researching his genealogy. A quest that took him and Louise as far away as Ireland. Throughout his travels, he obtained a wealth of valuable information, documents, and photographs documenting the Smith-family line.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Louise Smith; son: Frank Smith Jr., wife Arlene, of Albuquerque; daughters: Lucinda Lujan, husband James, of Albuquerque; RoxAnne Triché, husband Les, of North Tustin, California; Lydia Smith of Albuquerque; and Audra Cole, husband Everett, of Garden Grove, California; stepdaughters: Rose Sanchez, husband Buster Wallace, of Meridian, Texas; Diana Penny, husband Mike, of Moriarty, New Mexico; and Kathryn Dillon, husband Paul, of Edgewood, New Mexico; stepsons: Edward Sanchez, wife Mildred, of Albuquerque; and James Miller, wife Nettie, of Austin, Texas; sister: Betty Wilson of Roswell, New Mexico; 16 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.