Frederick Ira Smith

Frederick I Smith

Indianapolis- 91

Was called home to join his beautiful bride , parents , siblings and our Heavenly Father on April 27, 2020 after losing his battle against COVID -19.

As a young boy , he was raised on a farm in Boonville, Indiana by his parents , Orphus and Rachel Smith, along with 8 siblings. All whom have preceded him in death.

Many of us have heard stories about the one room school house , Kelley School, that he attended for elementary school. Fred is a graduate of Boonville High School.

After active duty military service, Fred came home and married his beautiful bride, Martha J. Steele, of New Winchester, IN. The two were married for 66 years prior to her passing in January of 2019. Fred completed a four year electrical apprenticeship  program at General Motors. He worked hard for his family and helped his wife raise three children:  Carla Turk , Michael Smith, and Brian Smith. He often said that his three grandchildren and five great grandchildren are what kept him young at heart. His spunk and wit keep a smile on all of our faces!

After forty years of working as an electrician for General Motors he retired. At that point he was able to focus on and enjoy time with his family and work on numerous projects around the house. The yard and flower garden was his “happy place” . Fred could often be found piddling around the yard with a shovel in one hand and the garden hose in another.  During the winter months he kept busy with wood crafting projects.  Needless to say he was a Jack of all trades!

Fred is a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Murat Shriners of Indianapolis, UAW Local 933, and the North Park Masonic Lodge. He also served our country with the Army during the Korean War.

Whether you called him, Fred, Dad, Uncle Fred, Grandpa, or Gramps, I think you would agree that he is: one-of-a–kind, a hard worker, sharp minded, witty, wise, funny, caring, and faithful.

His work here on Earth is complete. We will all hold onto the memories, stories about the Good Old Days and  “ tricks of the trade” that he has shared with us.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord.” Matthew 25:23

Memorial Contributions can be made towards The Shriners Children Hospitals or the VFW.