ELKHART -- Francis L. "Lee" Smith, 76, of Elkhart, died at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 27, 2009) in Elkhart General Hospital after an extended illness.

He was born July 25, 1932, in Dark County, Ohio, to Chester and Ruth (Trump) Smith. On March 31, 1979, he married Sharon R. Green in Jones, Mich.

She survives along with two daughters, Jeannie Mason of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Sherrie (William) Bohm of Centerville, Mich.; one son, Leslie J. (Susan) James of Bristol; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one sister, Marilyn (Tom) Behnken of Brookville, Ohio.

One brother, Carl Smith, preceded him in death.

Mr. Smith was in the heating and air conditioning business for nearly 55 years. He began working at Wayant Heating and Air Conditioning before opening his own business, Lee Smith Heating, servicing homes for 45 years in south-central Michigan.

He was an avid reader and loved Louis L'Amour western novels and reading his Bible. He enjoyed watching football on television and old John Wayne westerns.

Friends and family of Francis Smith may call one hour prior to the 2 p.m. Feb. 8, 2009, funeral service at White Pigeon Church of Christ. Pastor Barry Edds of the church will officiate. Cremation has taken place.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, assisted the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the F. Lee Smith Memorial Fund, care of Billings Funeral Home, or to White Pigeon Church of Christ. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences