Joseph F. "Joe" Smith , age 82 of rural Elwood, passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021 surrounded by his family at home following an extended illness.  He was born August 11, 1939 in Elwood, the son of J. Howard and Lucille (Holiday) Smith.  Joe attended Frankton High School before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960.  He was stationed in Germany and served on the Army Honor Guard team during his service.  Joe retired in 1998 from Guide Lamp division of General Motors in Anderson where he worked for 35 years as a forklift operator and semi driver.

He was a 50-year member of the Frankton Masonic Lodge #607.  He was also a member of U.A.W. #663 and the Frankton American Legion #609.  Joe grew up in the Aroma United Methodist Church and later attended Crossroads United Methodist Church in Anderson for several years.  Joe enjoyed walking and riding his bicycle, and he was an avid car enthusiast.  He also enjoyed leisurely shopping and "browsing" his favorite stores like Sam's Club.  Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joe's family legacy includes 4 children, Joseph D. Smith of Elwood, Dallas L. Smith of Frankton, Mark D. (Jennifer) Smith of Frankton, and Laura A. Smith of Frankton; companion of 20 years, Linda L. Jones of Anderson; 2 sisters, Elizabeth Woodsides of Elwood and Margaret Dietzer of Anderson; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; former spouse, Helen Y. (Garrett) Smith of Frankton; and several nieces and nephews.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents; 3 siblings, Glendon Smith, T. Edwin Smith, and Mary Lou Davis; daughter-in-law, Margaret Smith; and 3 brothers-in-law, Bill Woodsides, Larry Dietzer, and Robert Davis.

A funeral service celebrating Joe's life will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Rick Jones of Crossroads United Methodist Church officiating.  The service will begin with a memorial ritual by the Frankton Masonic Lodge and end with military honors by the U.S. Army and V.F.W. / American Legion honor guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 pm prior to the funeral on Wednesday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Health precautions for the safety of the family and visitors are greatly appreciated.  Burial will take place at a later date at the Aroma Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease research.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.