William F. Smith

William F. Smith, 89, passed away at his home on Friday, April 23, 2010, after a brief struggle with cancer. For more than 33 years he was a farm real estate appraiser active in southeastern Indiana. Prior to that, he was the manager of the Federal Land Bank Association for 30 years serving Rush, Decatur, Franklin, and Union counties. In 1962 he served as President of the National Federal Land Bank Association. He was born September 5, 1920 in a farmhouse near Boggstown in Shelby County, Indiana to parents, Walter S. and Bertha (Gray) Smith. He was the last survivor of that family. While serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he met and on July 20, 1944 he married Ileen Solem from Iowa. His wife survives along with three children, William O. (Lynda) Smith, Franklin D. (Deborah) Smith and Susan Smith (Walt) Pieper. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Christopher Smith, Ann Smith, Amanda Meyer, Robyn Fields and Michael Pieper. While living in Rush County for 30 years, he was active in the Rushville Jaycees, Lion's Club, American Legion Post 150 and the First Presbyterian Church. During that time he was active as a lay minister in the Presbyterian Church. In 1971, he and Ileen moved to Lake Santee in Decatur County where he had served on the organizing board of directors of its property owner's association. He and Ileen were among the original members of the Decatur County Couple's Club when it organized in 1947. He espescially enjoyed the friendship and activities of that organization for more than 63 years. He was an active member of the Kingston Presbyterian Church for 39 years. The suggested memorial contributions to the Decatur County Community Foundation or the Decatur County ARC endowment at the Decatur County Community Foundation. Memorial services will be held privately without visitation with burial at the Kingston Cemetery in Decatur County, Indiana. The family extends great appreciation and thanks for the many persons who have given friendship to William F. Smith and his family over many years. Bereavements notes can be sent to the Smith Family, P.O. Box 283, Greensburg, Indiana 47240.