Frank R. Smith Jr.

The Life of Frank Roger Smith Jr.

Frank Roger Smith Jr., age 82, passed away at KU Medical Center, March 11, 2022.  He was the first child of three born to the union of Frank R. Smith Sr. and Athelia P. Smith in Kansas City, Kansas on December 12, 1939.  Both parents preceded him in death, along with his wife, Millie L. Smith and oldest son, Roderick D. Smith.

Frank attended public schools in Kansas City, Kansas, including Douglass Elementary, Northeast Junior High, and Sumner High School.  He finished at Manual Arts High School, Los Angeles, California. 

He was baptized at the First Baptist Church at the age of 11 by the late Rev. Dr. E. A. Freeman in 1950.  His Christian relationship continued until his death.  He was the first Bus Driver of the church and worked with the Boy Scouts of America, Troup 28 of the church, both under the direction of Deacon John Yates Sr.

He was a member of the NAACP and a Mason in the Lodge of Great Western #90 of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas.  He held all offices in the Lodge except that of Treasurer and was the Chaplain at the time of his demise.

He worked several jobs over the years starting with the Missouri/Pacific Railroad, Armour Meat Packing, Wilson Meat Packing, Delta Airlines, and finally Dialysis Clinic, Inc.  Frank was drafted into the Armed Services of the United States in 1961 and returned from overseas in 1963 with an Honorable Discharge.

Frank’s passion was playing his sax at the nursing homes for people who were less fortunate.  He used to say, “When a person can’t get to church any longer, then you have to take the church to them. To be able to play Christian music for them and have prayer with them, gives you some self-pride.”

Frank leaves to mourn his passing two children: Frank R. Smith III; and Elnore Smith; his siblings one, sister, Nilene Diane Smith Fitzpatrick; one brother, Wilburn James Smith; five grandchildren; one Aunt, Dolores Elliott; a host of cousins; two nephews; and lots of friends and acquaintances.

HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank R. Smith Jr., please visit our floral store.