Obituary of Francis T. Smith

Francis T. "Smitty" Smith, 96, of State College, died Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Wynwood House, Boalsburg. Born May 21, 1920, in Tidioute, he was the youngest son of the late Charles Garr and Lena Follett Smith. On June 1, 1946 he married Nellie Esther Kline, who preceded him in death on February 13, 2007. He is survived by three daughters, Karen Tinstman and her husband, Michael, of New Castle, Terri Omdahl and her husband, James, of Bethlehem and Heidi Battista and her husband, Joe, of State College; seven grandchildren, Michaelyn Notz and her husband, Gregory, of Danville, Eric Tinstman and his wife, Ashley, of Miami, FL, Travis Brown of Pittsburgh, Shannon Oehme and her husband, Christopher, of Philadelphia, Brianna Battista of Pittsburgh, Jonathon Battista of San Francisco, CA and Ryan Battista of State College; three great-grandchildren, Savannah and Margaret Notz and William Tinstman. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Myrtle McManigle, Donald Smith, Douglas Smith, Richard Smith, Ken Smith and a son in-law, Robert K. Brown III. He was a 1938 graduate of Tidioute High School. Francis first attended Penn State University from 1938 until 1939. He completed a GE Apprentice Program from 1939 until 1944. From June 1944 until April 1946, He served in the United States Army, during World War II in the 549th Ordnance Heavy Maintenance in the Asia Pacific Theatre. Upon honorable discharge from the Army, he continued his education at Penn State University in 1946, earning his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering in 1949. Francis was employed as an Industrial Engineer for General Electric in Erie, retiring after 35 years. He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where he was also a member of the Accountable Disciples Mens Bible study group. He was a 50-year member of the Tyrian-Commonwealth F&AM Lodge # 362, Erie and a member of American Legion Post 245, State College. He was devoted to God, his church, and his family. He was fiercely loyal to Penn State and an avid fan of Penn State Athletics, especially football and ice hockey. He was the official "Call to Order" bell ringer for the State College Tailback club. He loved spending time with family especially at the Smith camp "Backachers" in Tidioute. He touched everyone he met in such a positive way. He will be missed, but we were all blessed to have had him for so long. Visitation will be from 3 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. An additional visitation will be from 10 until 11 a.m. on Monday, October 24, 2016 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Ave., State College. A memorial service will directly follow at 11 a.m., at the church, with the Reverend Greg Milinovich officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Francis Smith Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Pauls' United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Ave, State College, PA 16801 or to Grane Hospice, 106 Zee Plaza, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.