Arthur E. Smith 97 of Wesley Manor, in Frankfort, passed away on September 12, 2015 at St. Vincent Frankfort Hospital. His sudden and unexpected death was the result of a fall near his residence. Born March 25, 1918 in Elkhart, IN, he is the son of Arthur E. Smith Sr. & Grace E. (Shelmadine) Smith. Mr. Smith graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1936 and Indiana University in 1940 with a degree in business. He married Dorothy P. Silverthorn of Rossville in 1941, and she preceded him in death in 2001. Always interested in cars, Art joined Jordan Motors as a sales representative in South Bend. In 1952 he bought a Studebaker dealership, later Lincoln-Mercury, in Frankfort, which was named Art Smith Motors. He retired from the automobile business in 1978. Art and Dorothy lived in Rossville and Punta Gorda, Florida before moving to Wesley Manor Village in 1998. Art was a “founding father” of Wesley Manor. During the construction and design of the Manor, he served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. He was also a member of several organizations including Kiwanis Club. Art was a talented musician, playing drums and jazz piano. He played piano in college and with local bands and later, entertained Manor residents. Besides music, he was skilled in carpentry and architecture. Always health conscious, he enjoyed jogging, bike riding and walking. His real gift was his outgoing personality. He spoke to everyone, ever friendly and conversational. His mind and memory was sharp to the very end of life.
Visitation and Services
A “Celebration of Life” will take place at Wesley Manor Social Center from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2015. A headstone in the Rossville Cemetery will commemorate his life. Those wishing to donate in memory of Art, may give to The Friends of Wesley Manor, envelopes will be available.
Survived by:
a son, Randall S. Smith of rural Rossville and twin daughters, Carole A. Ferris and Barbara D. Strong, both of Frankfort. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Art was a wonderful man and a great inspiration to me to get in gear, lose weight and live a healthy life! Due to him being tough and critical of my bad choices I finally got in gear because I knew I had one person that gave me hope that I could do it & I did. I went from 235lbs to 152 and dropped from a 18-20 to a 14! He was so proud of me every time he saw me which has kept me inspired to live a healthy life, I will truly miss his smile, his visor that I flipped down when I joked around with him and his concern & compassion for staff & presidents of Wesley Manor, RIP my friend!!
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Facebook Twitter GoogleMy sympathy to the family. I’ll always remember the good times we had at the Sportsman.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Barb & Carol,
So sorry to read of the passing of your Father. No matter what age, it is still very hard to let them go. Our thoughts and prayers are with you lifting you for strength and comfort. You have been blessed to have your Father share in your lives for these many years. Grace and Peace be yours, Ron & Erilda Coleman, Foley, AL
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWe all enjoyed the times we spent with Art. Russell Sparks (Sparky) as a salesman for Art and Jan and I as customers and all of us as friends.
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Facebook Twitter GooglePlease accept our condolences on the passing of your father. We always enjoyed seeing and talking with Art. He had many stories and observations. We knew he was talented in many ways but was never one to brag. We would find out something new about him every time we talked with him. He will be missed.
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