Thomas Franklin Smith Sr.

Thomas “Tom” Franklin Smith, Sr. 91 passed away peacefully on Monday 3/27/2017 at his son's home in San Antonio, TX. By his side were his son Thomas F. Smith, Jr., daughter-in-law Norma Smith, and his fiancée Lila Barton from Pardeeville, WI. His daughter Geraldine S. Ludas from Salem, WI was notified shortly after by her brother that our father died.

He was the oldest son of the late Maude (Miller) and Thomas Smith, born in Marquette County, Portage, WI on 8/13/1925.

Tom served in the U.S. Navy over in the Pacific during WWII in 1943 on the ship the USS Bridge. He was one of the youngest and was honorably discharged as a Motor Machinists Mate Third Class (T) in December 1945. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp during the Korean Conflict in 1947. Tom was honorably discharged with the rank of Sargent, in January 1950. On October 29, 1946 Tom received a diploma that certified him as soloing in a Piper Cub Plane at Waukegan Air Flying Service taught by instructor D.H. Cashmore C132798. Tom was very proud of this flight but never did it again.

During the years he served, he created a comradery of friendships and enjoyed attending many ship reunions until his death.

While on leave from Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago, IL Tom met his future bride to be by her giving him a car ride from the Waukegan Drive-in outdoor theater. After a short courtship, they took the train to Portage and on 1/26/1945 he married Shirley Johnson at the Presbyterian Church. She then met all of his family, with his sister Mildred and brother in law being their witnesses. He was 19, she was 18 and was fortunate to enjoy matrimony for 62 years until her death in 4/23/2007.They had their son Tom Jr. in 1946 having him sleep in a drawer until had a place to stay, ending up at the home of Shirley's parents in Waukegan. After he shipped out with the Army, Shirley later informed him of his daughter's birth, of which he didn't get to see Geraldine until she was almost a year old. Since she was born 3 days after Christmas in 1948, they called the kids Tom and Gerrie (after the Christmas holiday drink-Tom and Jerry). His daughter still has the punch bowl and cups set.

Traveling across the U.S. on vacations was his way of showing his kids what our country was about and also visiting friends and relatives along the way. Later in life he bought a camper of which we all enjoyed borrowing for our own trips. Shirley and he enjoyed stopping at casinos later on after their children had grown and had families of their own to raise. At home he liked gardening, fishing, playing cards (Poker), cribbage, bowling (New Year’s Eve night specials), their block parties and anything going on with his kids or grandkids, he was always there. He and Shirley played the lottery faithfully as well as casino games; winning some, losing many, but they had fun. If anyone needed help, he was there especially close friends, family, and neighbors. No matter what Tom was always there to help.

Many will remember Tom for his cooking of barbecue ribs, barbecue hamburgers, chili-mac, potato salad, and his famous fish fries of either Perch or Smelt, if there was enough caught to cook. He would invite one and all to eat his food and have a fun conversation. While watching his favorite teams, the Chicago Cubs or Green Bay Packers he would make a feast of food. It is great that he got to see the Cubs win the World Series and we all know that Shirley was watching down on us during these playoffs! He got to watch the Packers win 4 Super Bowls and that was an excitement of its own. He briefly worked as an attendant at the Chicago Wriggly Baseball Field when they had home games. He liked it unless it rained, then had to quit because of his legs hurting from too much standing.

Tom had many interesting jobs but is best known for his retiring from the Jack Donnelson Sales Company working as a route salesman delivering Schlitz Beer to taverns and businesses. Several times he helped on Saturdays delivering Pepsi products with his younger brother Edward or Coke products with Leo to the Great Lakes Naval Base etc. His home always had plenty of beer and pop, which we all enjoyed. When summer came, Tom and Shirley would play horseshoes with whoever wanted to play in the backyard, of course they would usually win. They were good shoe players and bowlers. For many years they were on bowling leagues earning their share of trophies. He also would set up the croquet in the yard for friends and family to play. No matter if it was at the house of his in laws or in the house that he and Shirley had built up the street, neighbors and friends were always invited.

In the early 1970's he owned the Liquor Cabinet store on Washington Street. His son Tom, son in law Mike Ludas and nephew in law, Alan Engler all helped manage it even though they all worked other full time jobs. Tom sold the business after he had a close call when he was on the floor with a gun pointed at his head while two guys robbed the store. It also became difficult for the others to get off of work to help. He and Shirley bought a home on 40 acres of land in Ironwood, MI for a getaway, everyone in the family seemed to enjoy going up there. We would even take the grand kids out of school for a winter vacation to see the Ski Flying event up at Copper Peak. Snowmobiling was always fun, but we never did go skiing. Tom loved that place, but as time went on he decided to sell it even though Shirley didn't really want to. We had so many memories there.

As time went on, his son Tom and family moved to Texas, and his daughter Gerrie and family moved to Wisconsin. Family gatherings were not held as often, but he did his best to visit Texas and have his children come for vacations at their home in Waukegan. Gerrie's family was only an hour away so he was able to see them more. All 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren were fortunate to have “Old” Grandpa around to visit, and he loved it.

In 2007 after the death of his beloved wife Shirley of 62 years of marriage, he seemed anxious but not interested in much except of course the lottery (hoping to win the big one). On his 85th birthday family and friends gathered in the yard, and his younger sister Mildred surprised him by bringing her close friend and his grade school sweetheart Lila Barton from Pardeeville, WI. That was a site to see, another life changing experience for him, it was like watching two teenagers dating. They were inseparable after that day, and not long after that they were engaged. Tom then met her daughter, April and her family as well as other members of the family in Wisconsin. Tom and Lila enjoyed going to Texas in the winter as well as his ship reunions. They also visited Lila’s family in Pardeeville and his daughter's family in the Salem, WI area. There were lots to do for these two. Both were very much in love from then till their late 80's until Tom's death at 91 and Lila also turning 91. What a wonderful life he had.

He and Lila enjoyed going to the Presbyterian Church in Waukegan, IL where they were both members. It is interesting that he married his late wife Shirley back in 1945 in the Presbyterian Church in Portage, WI. He loved to hear the choir sing the hymns and he enjoyed singing along with the gospel songs especially, “One Day at a Time” and many others.

Tom had been a member of Waukegan Lake County Coin Club, American Legion, and Moose.

Working as a voting judge on voting days, and collecting admission for the Lakefront beach were some among many other things he did. Many city officials including the Mayor remember Tom for he was a long time Waukegan Resident!

Thomas F. Smith Sr. is proudly survived by his loving family

SON: Thomas F. (Norma) Smith, Jr - TX

Grandson: Thomas F. (Yvette) Smith III - TX

Great Granddaughter: Jessica Smith

Great Grandson: Thomas F. Smith IV - TX

Grandson: Timothy M. (Jeanette) Smith - TX

Granddaughter: Roslen (Richard) Davis - TX

Great Grandson: Tristan Rodriques - TX

Great Grandson: Ari Davis - TX

Great Grandson: Levi Davis - TX

DAUGHTER: Geraldine S. Ludas - WI

Granddaughter: Lynn M. (Mark) Eberle - WI

Great Granddaughter: Ryann N. Eberle - WI

Great Grandson: Jason M. Eberle - WI

Granddaughter: Lori A. Ludas (Dr. Melissa LoPinto) - WV

Great Granddaughter: Charlotte C. LoPinto-Ludas - WV

Great Grandson: Dylan M. LoPinto-Ludas - WV

Great Granddaughter: Juliette G. LoPinto-Ludas - WV

He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he is preceded in death by his son-in-law Michael B. Ludas, his Smith sibling brothers, Norman, Louis, Paul, Edward, Leo, and sister, Mildred Broesch. He is also preceded by many close cousins, aunts and uncles. He had a special bond with his late in-laws Ethel (Stow) Forrest Johnson of Waukegan, IL of which is the home he lived in until his death. A special note on his late dog Major, may he and Shirley meet again in spirit.

Tom's family wishes to thank all who were involved with his care either mentally, physically, or of his home. Thank you to the Hospice care, VA care, Presbyterian Church members, Thalia Sipple, Patricia Redding, Art LaBatt, Emma Crum, the Guzman family, the Angelopolous family, the Furniss family, Susan Underwood, and Diane Smith. There are so many others we'd like to thank so please accept our words of thanks to everyone who offered and helped.

A special loving thank you to the Tom Smith, Jr. family and the Gerrie Ludas family for all the help they have offered and given to our Dad, your grandpa. It was forever greatly appreciated.

Thomas F. Smith Sr. lived a full life the best that he could. I as his daughter do believe that God heard my prayers along with my brother and family to allow my mother, his mother, and his sibling’s spirits to help guide him back to where there is only bright, somber beauty in the Heavens above. His earthly body ceased to breath and his spirit moved on to another dimension of existence. He is now at peace and the memories you've given us through your lifetime will be carried on through generations to come, your legacy is everything you taught us, showed us or stories you told us, we will not forget.

We will miss you dearly but I believe you are in Heaven's serenity of loving spirits, we will all see each other again. Amen

A memorial is pending and will be announced at a later date. Thank you

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, San Antonio, TX.