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Francis E “Kanky” Smith

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Francis E “Kanky” Smith

Birth	:	17 Oct 1926 Helena, Lewis and Clark County, Montana, USA
Death	:	12 Aug 2018 Fort Benton, Chouteau County, Montana, USA
Burial	:	Saint Anns Cemetery, East Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate	:	46.5867004, -111.9013977
Description	:	Francis E. "Kanky" Smith passed away on August 12, 2018 following a brief illness at the age of 91 in Fort Benton, Montana. He was born on October 17, 1926 in Helena, Montana to Frank L. and Frances (Hudoklin) Smith. He attended St. Ann's Catholic School and graduated from Helena High School in 1944. He acquired his beloved nickname at the age of two when his three year old cousin Luddie was unable to pronounce his given name, saying "Kanky", instead. The moniker stuck with him for his entire life. Kanky served in the United States Marine Corp during WW... Read More	Francis E. "Kanky" Smith passed away on August 12, 2018 following a brief illness at the age of 91 in Fort Benton, Montana. He was born on October 17, 1926 in Helena, Montana to Frank L. and Frances (Hudoklin) Smith. He attended St. Ann's Catholic School and graduated from Helena High School in 1944. He acquired his beloved nickname at the age of two when his three year old cousin Luddie was unable to pronounce his given name, saying "Kanky", instead. The moniker stuck with him for his entire life. Kanky served in the United States Marine Corp during WW II from April 1944 to May 1946. He fought in Okinawa and later served as a member of the peacekeeping forces in China. Upon returning from the service he worked a few construction jobs until he joined the American Chemet Corporation in 1949 Kanky was known as "Mr. American Chemet" serving for a robust 57 years finally retiring in 2006. Kanky was a life member of the VFW Cory Dullum Post 10010 in East Helena. He was also a member of the St. Louis Lodge and the KSKJ Lodge. Kanky was an avid sports fan but he was particularly fond of the New York Yankees and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. As a youngster he played baseball with the East Helena Smelterites. In later years he would often coach Little League Baseball teams in East Helena. Kanky was an accomplished bowler and in 1954 his bowling team travelled to Seattle, Washington to participate in the American Bowling Congress Tournament. Kanky also enjoyed playing billiards and could often be found "racking them up" at the local establishments in East Helena. On occasion, Kanky was willing to partake in "games of chance" and he tried his luck with the ponies and the keno machines in his spare time. . He delighted in completing his crossword puzzles and reading Western novels and history books. Following a couple of health scares in his later years he moved to Fort Benton, Montana to be closer to his nephew, Mark. He resided at Sunrise Bluffs Estates where he could be found playing Pinochle with the other residents or brightening their day with his wit and delightful smile. Some of our fondest memories of Kanky were when the family gathered at Gram's to watch the Saturday afternoon NBC Game of the Week. When the kids got too loud to hear the game, Kanky would lovingly shoo them out the door with money to go down to "Ruseks" to buy everyone candy! Kanky, a bachelor his entire life was a kind, gentle, and generous soul who was quick to lend a helping hand when needed. His warm and genuine smile along with the rising inflection of his voice upon greeting you will never be forgotten. He will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure to know him. He is survived by first cousins Jim Grenier, Iris Maness, Barbara Rose, Carole Yadon, Sharlene Totten, Geri Loomis, Bradley Loomis, Carol Colyer, and Lucille Stump; nephews, Neil Smith, Stan Smith, Curtis Smith, and Mark Smith; nieces, Cassie Smith, Marla Yuhas, Leslie Smith and Angela Smith and numerous great nieces and nephews . He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Joseph, Robert, Kenneth and sister Isabel. A viewing will be held Wednesday, August 15th from 12- 6:30 p.m., with a vigil following at 6:30 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home, 316 E. 6th Ave. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 16th at 11:00 a.m. at SS Cyril Methodius Church, 120 W. Riggs St., East Helena, 59635. A burial with military honors will following the Mass at St. Ann's Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the social hall of the church. Memorials may be sent to St. Anns Cemetery Association P.O. Box 525 East Helena, Montana 59635 or to an organization of the donor's choice. Published by Retz Funeral Home, Helena, MT

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Francis E “Kanky” Smith's memorial?
Francis E “Kanky” Smith's memorial is located at: Saint Anns Cemetery, East Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA.
When did Francis E “Kanky” Smith death?
Francis E “Kanky” Smith death on 12 Aug 2018 in Fort Benton, Chouteau County, Montana, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Francis E “Kanky” Smith's memorial?
Latitude: 46.5867004
Longitude: -111.9013977

Family Members:

Parent

Frank L. Smith

(1900 - 1968)

Frances S. Hudoklin Smith

(1906 - 1987)

Siblings

Sgt Joseph William Smith

(1929 - 1980)

Isabel A. “Is” Smith

(1934 - 2005)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Saint Anns Cemetery
East Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5867004, -111.9013977

2. East Helena City Cemetery
East Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5945220, -111.9146760

3. Turner Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5306015, -111.8486023

4. Hardgrove and Merritt Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6537000, -111.8944000

5. Arley Burt Pet Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6171000, -111.9945000

6. Plymouth Congregational Church Columbarium
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5804000, -112.0109000

7. Old Saint Marys Catholic Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5958150, -112.0105560

8. Old Catholic Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5779120, -112.0183220

9. Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6293983, -112.0171967

10. Cathedral of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5902550, -112.0339480

11. City Cemetery (Defunct)
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5896660, -112.0360010

12. Saint Peters Episcopal Cathedral Columbarium
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5925598, -112.0400925

13. Benton Avenue Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6045265, -112.0415497

14. Lewis and Clark County Poor Farm Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6235460, -112.0383316

15. Home of Peace Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6152992, -112.0500031

16. IOOF Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6535873, -112.0311966

17. Lewis and Clark County Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6558870, -112.0319440

18. Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6563988, -112.0361023

19. Calvary Cemetery
Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5997009, -112.0714035

20. Sunset Memorial Gardens
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6900368, -112.0215759

21. Montana Medal of Honor Grove
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6227300, -112.0956300

22. Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Helena, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6151886, -112.0993042

23. Canyon Ferry Cemetery
Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6344330, -111.7059790

24. John Montgomery Gravesite
Unionville, Lewis and Clark County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5170000, -112.0845000