Franklin Eugene Smith

Franklin Eugene "Gene" Smith, 79, of Owensboro passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2012 on his property in Ohio County. Born in Stephensport, KY, he was the son of the late Louis Eugene and Fannie Eskridge Smith; was a member of Southside Wesleyan Church; was retired from the United Mine Workers where he was a heavy equipment operator; and was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, working on projects for family and friends; and watching wrestling. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Nettie Mae Goatee and Frances Reeser.

Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Vena Joyce Moore Smith; a daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Darrell Barnett of Owensboro; a son, Terry Smith of Owensboro; grandchildren, Austin Barnett, Brittany Barnett, Devon Smith, and Tori Smith; a brother, Albert Owen Smith of Owensboro, and a sister, Louise Dickman of Union Star, KY.

Services are 10 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2012 in the chapel of Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. John Fowler officiating followed by burial Rosehill Cemetery with military honors provided by Ft. Campbell and VFW Post 696. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Friday and after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Southside Wesleyan Church, 2804 Veach Rd., Owensboro, KY 42303.

Online condolences may be left at www.glennfuneralhome.com.