Frank Allen Smith, 83

Frank Allen Smith, 83, of Newport, Wash., passed away Sept. 20, 2012, in Spokane. His life was extended for many years as a heart transplant recipient. He was born May 13, 1929, in Emmett to John Wheaton Smith and Thelma Ann (Stewart) Smith.

Frank served in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II and in the Korean War. On Feb. 16, 1948, Frank married LaVeta Johnson in Caldwell. He was a brakeman and conductor for the Anchorage Alaska Railroad before it became a state. A longtime resident of Post Falls, Frank was a conservation officer and game warden, retiring after 34 years with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Frank and Veta spent the last few years in Riverton, Wyo., moving recently to Newport.

Frank is survived by his wife, LaVeta at home; son John Franklin Smith of Post Falls; daughters, Ann and Steven Shoopman of Riverton, Wyo., and Jolene and Farren Walden of Newport; and a brother, John Paul Smith of Rexburg. Frank is also survived by 49 grandchildren and 90-plus great-grandchildren. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, step-parents, sister Dea Bernetta Prichard, two granddaughters and a grandson.

The family wishes that any memorials, to help other transplant recipients, be sent to: SHMC Foundation, attn: Joyce Cameron, 101 W. Eighth Ave., Spokane, WA 99204.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, with funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1670 N. McGuire Road, Post Falls, with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Post Falls. You may sign Frank’s guest registry and view his online memorial at englishfuneralchapel.com.