Francis "Ed" Edward Smith

Francis Edward "Ed" Smith

F. Ed Smith, age 77, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 30, 2008 in Douglas at MHCC. Services were held at Douglas Baptist Church on Feb. 4, 2008, with internment at the Douglas Park Cemetery, Pastor Roy Phillips officiating. A reception followed at the Douglas Baptist Church.

He was born April 22, 1930, in Wheatland to Robert E. and Martha F. (Mills) Smith, the oldest of four siblings. Ed worked various jobs along side his dad for Von Forrell Hereford Ranch and numerous other ranchers in the Wheatland area. In the late 40's the family moved to Douglas.

In 1951, he met Ruth Leonard and they were married in a private ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church in Cheyenne on Sept. 9. To their 56-year union were born a son and a daughter. They lived for a time in Bridgeport, Neb. before returning to Douglas.

Ed held numerous jobs, primary of which were his 20-years with North Central/Kansas Nebraska Natural Gas Co. and running the Douglas Motel for 38 years with his wife. He served in the Wyoming National Guard, on the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department during which time he served tenure as Chief of the department, was a member of the Douglas Baptist Church and a life member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed spending time at the family homestead southwest of Glendo and visiting his sister Alice's family south of Laramie Peak at Garrett.

He is survived by his son, Gordon Smith and friend Terri Smith of Douglas and daughter Barbara Crofutt and husband Dave of Lusk; grandchildren, Debbie Walker and husband Ric of Casper, Keith Crofutt and wife Heather of Chadron, Neb., Megan Kubinski and husband Shawn of Hopkins, Minn. and Laura Smith of Brookings, S.D.; and great grandson Tony Will of Hopkins, Minn. He is also survived by his sisters Alice Woolsey and husband George of Wheatland and Wilma Hannifin and husband Rick of Cody. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, Church and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sister Betty Hytrek.

Pallbearers are Ron Grohs, Levi Grohs, Jason Pierce, Lee Middleton, Dan Pauli and Jeff Kirk.

Honorary pallbearers are Charles Faulconer, Earl Stroud, Frank Burrell, Raymond Tibbs and all her many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the Douglas Baptist Church Building Fund.

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