Gerald Lee Smythe

May 13, 1930 - December 26, 2016

Gerald Lee Smythe, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully at home in Rotonda West, Florida, on Monday December 26, 2016. He was 86. Jerry was born on May 13, 1930 in Highland Park, Michigan, to Edward and Bertha Smythe. He served in the US Army and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He married his true love, Mary Louise Franke, in 1951. They raised a passel of kids who love them dearly, and blessed them with many grandchildren. They were active at St. Simon parish where Jerry volunteered for a multitude of efforts supporting the church and school, and made lasting friendships over 30 years of parish life. Jerry discovered a lifelong passion when he joined Monsanto Chemical Company in 1961 to enter the “new” field of computer programming. After he retired in 1991, Jerry and Mary Lou moved to Terre du Lac where they built a house on the lake to welcome friends and family. They planned to take it easy and enjoy golf, boating and get-togethers. Nevertheless, Jerry got involved in the community – lecturing at Saint Joseph, helping out at the food bank, ringing the Salvation Army bell, and collecting “rummage” in his Toyota pickup for the annual TDL fundraiser. As President of the Terre du Lac Board of Directors, he worked hard to bring meaningful improvements to many lives. In 2005, Jerry and Mary Lou moved to Florida where they became active members of St. Francis of Assisi parish and found many good friends. Jerry was devoted to God, his family, and his country. He loved working on the computer, tinkering with boats and cars, home improvement projects, golfing, dancing, photography, growing orchids, editing the Elks newsletter, and figuring out how to make Mary Lou’s projects work. He relished a good game of pinochle with family and friends, as well as a lively political debate. Jerry is survived by Mary Lou, his wife of 65 years; their seven children: Cathy (Jim) Silvey; John (Theresa) Smythe; David (Kathy) Smythe; Mary (Rob) Willen; Susan Smythe (Charles Durrett), Carolyn Kallenborn; Patrick (Gail) Smythe; eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, in-laws, cousins, and many others who love him dearly. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Bertha, and brothers Richard and Steven. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 5265 Placida Road, Grove City, 34224 at 11:00 AM. A memorial service will be held in St. Louis at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.englewoodfh.com Englewood Community Funeral Home has been selected to handle arrangements.