Eugene Francis Joseph Smith
September 15, 1938 — July 7, 2023
Eugene Francis Joseph Smith, 84, passed away on July 7th following a brief illness. Gene was born September 15, 1938. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1956 and was a life-long resident of Cedar Rapids. Gene served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army (Airborne Battle Group, 506th Infantry), from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1960.
Gene was a caring man whose smile, embrace, and handshake were genuine. Gene’s love for his family was unlimited. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; son, Joel (Lucy) of Minneapolis; two sisters, Joyce Smith of Belle Plaine and Betty Johnson of Arkansas; five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren; three stepchildren, Deb (Scott) Williamson, Ron (Peggy) Turnis, and Nancy (Bob) Armstrong; six step-grandchildren and five step-greatgrandchildren; Goddaughter Sue (Nick) Poshusta, and many extended family members and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Frances Smith; brothers, Donald (Betty) and Lee (Barb); nephew, Gary; and granddaughter, Elizabeth.
Gene’s family expresses their deep appreciation for the caring professionals at UnityPoint, Visiting Angels, and The Garden of Cedar Rapids.
A memorial service will be held in Cedar Rapids at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 15th, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, 520 Wilson Ave., S.W. A livestream of the memorial service may be accessed on the funeral home website tribute page for Gene under “photos and videos or media,” starting at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 15th.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a financial or blood donation in Gene’s memory to the American Red Cross ( https://www.redcross.org/local/iowa/ways-to-donate.html ) or supporting Meals on Wheels ( https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/37k8hYOmSzsUHa5R-AogIQ ).
Gene was a caring man whose smile, embrace, and handshake were genuine. Gene’s love for his family was unlimited. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; son, Joel (Lucy) of Minneapolis; two sisters, Joyce Smith of Belle Plaine and Betty Johnson of Arkansas; five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren; three stepchildren, Deb (Scott) Williamson, Ron (Peggy) Turnis, and Nancy (Bob) Armstrong; six step-grandchildren and five step-greatgrandchildren; Goddaughter Sue (Nick) Poshusta, and many extended family members and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Frances Smith; brothers, Donald (Betty) and Lee (Barb); nephew, Gary; and granddaughter, Elizabeth.
Gene’s family expresses their deep appreciation for the caring professionals at UnityPoint, Visiting Angels, and The Garden of Cedar Rapids.
A memorial service will be held in Cedar Rapids at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 15th, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, 520 Wilson Ave., S.W. A livestream of the memorial service may be accessed on the funeral home website tribute page for Gene under “photos and videos or media,” starting at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 15th.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a financial or blood donation in Gene’s memory to the American Red Cross ( https://www.redcross.org/local/iowa/ways-to-donate.html ) or supporting Meals on Wheels ( https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/37k8hYOmSzsUHa5R-AogIQ ).
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eugene Francis Joseph Smith, please visit our flower store.