Ronald J. Smith, age 69 of Frankton, died Friday, December 9, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital in Ft. Wayne following an extended illness. He was born October 5, 1942 in Elwood – the son of Joseph W. and Roberta M. (Busby) Smith. He worked as a mechanic at Smitty's Union '76 Station in Frankton from 1964 to 1987. He also was well known as a school bus driver in Frankton for 43 years, and retired in 2006. Ron was a 1960 graduate of Frankton High School, and later served his country in the U.S. Army. He married Helen K. Powell on November 14, 1964. He was a member of the Frankton United Methodist Church, and was proud to be a member of the Frankton Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years. He was also an avid NASCAR fan; and especially liked Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart.

Survivors include: Wife of 47 years – Helen K. (Powell) Smith of Frankton; 3 Children – Tammara Robinson of Delphi, Amy (Husband Don) Collis of Elwood, and Scott Smith of Alexandria; 6 Grandchildren – Audrey Smith, Veronica Morris, Jeremy Morris, Cecelia Robinson, Sidney Collis, and Sophia Smith; Great-Grandson – Jonathon Foor. His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Carol Whetsel officiating. Burial will take place in the K. of P. – I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Frankton with military honors conducted by the U.S. Military and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 PM Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Frankton Ambulance Fund through the funeral home. Online condolences to the Smith family may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.