Smiley, former Stafford publisher, dead at 81

STAFFORD — Frank D. Smiley, 81, died Sunday, June 28, 2015, at Leisure Homestead, Stafford. He was born Dec. 22, 1933, in Stafford the son of Roy Morris and Edith Eugena (Jean) Fletcher Smiley. A 1952 graduate of Stafford High School, he married Marilyn A. Beltz on Aug. 30, 1952, in Stafford. She survives.

In 1947, he began working at The Stafford Courier as a “printer’s devil”. His career at The Courier spanned his entire working life. He became business manager in the early 70's before he and his wife purchased the newspaper on January 1, 1972. From Dec. 1990 through 1995 the Smileys were owners and publishers of The Cunningham Courier. They retired on April 1, 2006. He served the City of Stafford for many years as both mayor and council member and his country in the National Guard. He was a member of the Stafford First Baptist Church, American Legion, and a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by sons: Dennis (Denise) Smiley, Haysville; Tom Smiley, Wichita; daughter Mary (Bob) Stackhouse, Cunningham; nine grandchildren, one step-grandchild, 21 great-grandchildren through the blending of families; and one brother, Dan Smiley, Bushton. He was preceded in death by his son and daughter-in-law, Garry and Gail Smiley, his parents, and siblings, Peggy Werner and Bill Smiley.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, July 4 at Minnis Chapel, Stafford.  There will be a private family burial at Stafford Cemetery preceding the funeral. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to p.m. Friday with the family receiving friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the chapel. Contributions can be made to First Baptist Church, Stafford Historical Society or donor's choice all in care of the chapel.