Eugene Francis Joseph Smith

Eugene Francis Joseph Smith

Cedar Rapids

Eugene Francis Joseph Smith, 84, passed away on July 7 following a brief illness. Gene was born Sept. 15, 1938. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1956 and was a lifelong 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 great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, Deb (Scott) Williamson, Ron (Peggy) Turnis, and Nancy (Bob) Armstrong; six stepgrandchildren and five stepgreat-grandchildren; 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 15, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, 520 Wilson Ave. SW. A livestream of the funeral 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 15.

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).

Please share a memory of Gene at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.