Edward Townsley Smith

Edward Townsley Smith entered peacefully into eternal life Monday morning, February 27, 2012 at St. John’s Hospital. He was born to Edward Minish Smith and Linna Townsley Smith, of Cincinnati, Ohio, September 27, 1930.
At age 10, Edward began working at a grocery in Norwood, OH and supported himself and his family through high school (Xavier) and college (Xavier University). During the Korean Conflict he interrupted his education joining the United States Navy in 1950. During training at Great Lake Naval Training Center, Edward was named Company Honor Man. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and finished his education graduating Cum Laude from Xavier University in 1956 with degrees in Business Administration and Accounting.
Edward married Shirley Anne (Caldwell) Smith on April 27, 1957 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Norwood, OH. They were to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary this April. They welcomed a son, Edward Caldwell Smith, on August 24, 1961. He is survived by wife and son.
Through the 1960’s and early 1970’s Edward successfully held administrative positions for several nationally-known companies in Cincinnati, OH, St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO. He relocated to Springfield, IL in 1972. He joined the Capital Development Board, State of Illinois in 1976, and worked as Director of Administration and then as Director of Construction until his retirement in 1991. He was honored by the CDB for his supervision as Acting Executive Director of the CDB from 1982 to 1983.
Edward was active with the Greater Cincinnati Jaycees and was Jaycee of the year in 1959. He co-founded the Franciscan Third Order Secular Fraternity of the Holy Spirit of Springfield, IL in 1981. For 25 years, he volunteered for St. John’s Hospital Pastoral Care Department. Edward was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church for 40 years. He also enjoyed maintaining his park-like yard, reading, music, and laughing with family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Church of the Little Flower, 900 Stevenson Drive, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Friday, March 2, 2012. A prayer service at 11:15 by the Fraternity of the Holy Spirit, SFO will follow visitation.
A Concelebrated Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday with Monsignor John Ossola, main celebrant, and Fr. John Sullivan, OFM, concelebrant, officiating.
Memorials may be given to Church of the Little Flower or Springfield Right to Life, 323 E. Monroe St. Springfield, IL 62701. A memorial service and burial will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio after Easter.