Craig Smith

1968 - 2025

Craig Smith, 57, Franklin, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 28, 2025.

He was born on Jan. 2, 1968, in Rensselaer, to Robert W and Beverly A (Wortley) Smith.

Growing up in Rensselaer, Craig enjoyed being out on his grandparents' farm, playing baseball, basketball, golf and riding his motorcycle. He graduated from Rensselaer Central High School in 1986 and Vincennes University in 1988. After serving in the US Air Force for four years at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan, he then went on to graduate from IUPUI Kelly School of Business, Indianapolis with his Bachelor's degree in Business Management in 1994. Craig worked in purchasing/procurement and accounting for many companies.

His love was his family and the family's bed and breakfast, Ashley-Drake Historic Inn and Gardens and Candy Store, Hoosier Cupboard Candy, Snacks and Ice Cream. He loved meeting people from all over the world who stayed at the Inn and seeing all the happy people eating their ice cream, giving tours of his railroad history museum, his extensive flower gardens on the shop grounds and just being with his family.

Craig married the love of his life, Kimberly Todd, on Jan. 4, 1986, in Medaryville. They moved a lot the first six years of marriage with college and the Air Force. They were finally able to settle down when Craig got his first job out of college. They have made Franklin their home for 30 years, raising their beloved children, buying the house next door for a bed and breakfast (21 years old) and then later the Franklin Railroad Depot that houses their candy and ice cream shop that just celebrated their 10th anniversary.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kimberly Smith; son, Cameron Smith; daughter, Linden Smith; mother, Beverly Smith, Rensselaer; sisters, Julie (Tom) Riha, Rensselaer, Debbie (Dave) Williams, Amarillo, Texas; brother, Robert (Tracy) Smith, Medaryville; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Oscar and Agnes Wortley and Ralph and Alice Smith; father, Robert W. Smith; father-in-law, Glen (Joe) Todd; and sisters-in-law, Amy Todd Martinez and Jennifer Todd Kepner.

Craig's life was devoted to his family, restoring his Victorian houses, his railroad museum and his flower gardens. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered always.

Visitation will be on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Flinn and Maguire Mortuary in Franklin with a Celebration of Life for Craig following at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Private burial at Marion National Cemetery with Military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with medical and funeral expenses.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flinn and Maguire in Franklin.