Eugene Franklin Smith, Jr.
February 29, 1940 — May 29, 2011
Eugene Franklin Smith, Jr., 71, passed away May 29, 2011 in Panguitch, Utah. He was born February 29, 1940 in Roswell, New Mexico to Eugene Franklin and Nellie Pauline Brumley Smith. He married Helen Lynne Kessler, April 22, 1967 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gene was a loving, wonderful and caring husband, father and grandfather. His biggest joy in life were his daughter, Melissa and grandchildren, Adrie Grace, Andie Lynn, Chase Smith and Cash Smith Christensen.
His life long profession was in law enforcement and was considered a "Cop’s Cop", retiring in 1990 as a Lieutenant from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. That same year, he received the prestigious "Policeman of the Year" award. He also received many commendations from the FBI, DEA and the Military Police, along with many other law enforcement agencies.
Gene was a faithful member of the LDS Church and enjoyed serving in the Circleville 1 st Ward. He was also a member of the American Legion, LVMPD Police Protective Association, Utah Sheriff’s Association and was a Navy veteran.
Gene will be sadly missed but will be lovingly remembered by his family and many friends. We will always have wonderful memories of his great sense of humor and his ability to bring a smile to our faces
His survivors include his wife, Helen of Circleville; daughter, Melissa (Troy) Christensen of Glendale, AZ; three grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Tommie) Smith of Centennial, CO, Reba Runyun and Rosemary Ames, both of Albuquerque, NM; and his faithful dog, Scrappy.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Smith; sister, Kathleen Smith and grandson, Chase Smith Christensen.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in the Circleville 1 st LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call at the ward chapel in Circleville on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Circleville Cemetery with military rites by the V.F.W. Piute Post #7561 and the Utah Honor Guard. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.
"Turn out the lights, the party’s over"