Franklin Smith

Franklin Smith, age 69, of Poplar Bluff, Mo, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

Franklin, the son of the late Thomas F. and Geraldean (Hert) Smith, was born on Jan. 17, 1949 in Poplar Bluff. He was of the Protestant faith, and had retired in 1984 as a brakeman and conductor for Missouri Pacific Railroad. Franklin was an active member and past Master of Poplar Bluff Lodge No. 209; was a member of Moolah Shrine and Three Rivers Shrine Club, where he served as Secretary and President; and was a member of Grandin Masonic Lodge, where he served two years as Master. Franklin’s greatest pleasure was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed flower gardening.

He was married to Brenda Stroud on July 24, 1967 in Poplar Bluff. She survives.

Survivors also include three children, Pennie Ethridge and husband Richard, Frankie Cleaveland and husband Andrew and William F. Smith II and wife Juli of Poplar Bluff., four grandchildren, Hannah Morry and husband Joey, Cody Cleaveland, Katelyn Cleaveland and Drew Cleaveland; three great-grandchildren, Aiden, Kaston and Oakley; a sister Donna Forsythe; and two brothers, Terry Smith and Rodney Smith of Poplar Bluff.

Franklin was also preceded in death by two brothers, Phillip Smith and Larry Smith.

A Masonic Service will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel followed by visitation until 8 p.m. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel with Rev. Vernon Woolverton officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 440 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff, Mo. is honored to serve the family of Franklin Smith.

Burial at Three Springs Cemetery