Frank Smith

Marion Francis Smith, or more fondly known as Frank or Frankie, 55, New Palestine, IN, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Frank was born December 19, 1970, in Bluffton, IN, to Elmer Max and the late Nancy Kay (Shoultz) Smith. Frank is a graduate of Southern Wells High School, Bluffton, IN.

Immediately following high school, Frank landed a position with Kurt Hough and Hough Racing as a long-haul driver moving from state to state, track to track, with his prized motorcycles. Frank then transitioned into becoming a tire changer for the Hough ARCA racing team for many years. Although Frank probably didn’t know how large of a character he became, he was hob-knobbing with the big names, the big teams, and even bigger monies. To say that Frank had a few celebratory beers to cheer his team on, his favorite drivers, or their teams on, would be an understatement. Most in the circuits knew Frank by name and association and all would chat it up while having a good time along with another beer. Some of the drivers and pit crew members personally visited Frank and his father at their New Palestine homestead as well as kept up with one another over the years.

Most of Frank’s inner circle knew him as quite the beer drinker, one who would always be wearing work boots and shorts, and one that loved to have a good time. Frank loved to spend time at Patoka Reservoir boating, fishing, taking in the sun, and drinking. He was also a cornhole champ that no one could win against. Frank’s son remembers him as being a passionate parent when it came to his participation in sports.

Frank is survived by his father, Elmer Smith; sons, Chase Michael Smith and Mason Eugene Smith (fiancé Maysen Gillespie); sisters, Angie (Scott) Slusher, Chris Mossburg, and Dee Dobson (Vince Hoopingarner); mother-of-his sons, Stacy Smith; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Smith and brother-in-law, John Mossburg.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stillinger Family Funeral Home- Hendryx Mortuary, 19 East Main Street, New Palestine, IN. A graveside service will be held the following morning, Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Mossburg Cemetery, Liberty Center, IN, officiated by Pastor Jeremiah Wondercheck. Memorial contributions may be made to any of the stroke societies across the country, as Frank sustained one five years ago: American Stroke Foundation, American Stroke Association, World Stroke Organization, and/or the National Stroke Association. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com