Obituary for Francis Smotone

Francis Edward Smotone

March 19, 1916 – May 8, 2018

Francis Edward Smotone, age 102, long-time resident of Ponca City, passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2018, in Ponca City.

A graveside ceremony to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, May 11, 2018 in the Hope Chapel at Odd Fellows Cemetery with Pastor Eugene McCarty officiating. Honorary casket bearers will be Randy Smotone, Kevin Smotone, Ryan Smith, Eric Smith, Jason Smith, Danny Blum, Keith Hunter, Phillip Hunter, Bill Hunter, Dennis Hunter, Doug Smotone and Joe Smotone. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Francis was born on March 19, 1916 to Samuel Adolph Smotone and Minnie Pearl Stewart Smotone in Pawnee. He was raised in Pawnee along with his siblings until His father’s job with the railroad moved the family to Ponca City where he completed high school. After high school, Francis attended business and accounting classes at Northern Oklahoma College. In 1939 Francis met the love of his life Catheren Hooser! They were married on January 20, 1940 in Winfield, KS, resulting in a loving family and 56 years of marriage. In 1939 Francis began his career at Conoco in the Purchasing department. Later, he worked in the Controller’s division and retired in 1981 as a Pricing Supervisor. Francis loved his job at Conoco and found satisfaction in solving problems and developing processes to help the business. When he wasn’t working he loved being with family, and enjoyed being outside, whether it was hunting, fishing, tending to his land, livestock, or dogs. Francis loved his family and people, and showed that love by teasing and joking with them. This is something he continued to do with those who cared for him while he was at the nursing home.

Survivors include his son Marvin Smotone and wife Joyce of Stillwater, daughter Charlotte Smith and husband Larry of Ponca City, grandchildren Randy Smotone of Dallas, TX, Kevin Smotone and wife Ashley of Ponca City, OK, Ryan Smith and wife Kelly of Chiswick, UK, Stephanie Blum and husband Danny of Ponca City, Eric Smith and wife Rebecca of Magnolia, TX, Jason Smith and wife Kathryn of Bluffton, SC, 13 great grandchildren, and one great great-grandson arriving soon.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, and his siblings: Dick Smotone, Runt Smotone, Alfred Smotone, Daisy Johnson, Myrtle Baumert, Sylvia Hunter, and infant brother Wilbur Smotone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Humanity Hospice, 1109 N. Bryant Ave., Ste. 100, Edmond, OK 73034.

Source: Trout Funeral Home