About Us
"Respect for Tradition... Regard for Change"
Our History
The legacy of the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory began more than a century ago with George Sterling Smith, who operated a funeral home in Pataskala, Ohio from 1889 until 1930. His dedication to compassionate service laid the foundation for what would become five generations of family care throughout Central Ohio.
G. Sterling's son, Frank E. Smith, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in 1909. At a time when licensed embalmers were rare, Frank’s expertise quickly became respected throughout the region. He assisted Lancaster funeral director Ferd Getz and, just two years later, purchased the business and established The Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Co. in Lancaster, Ohio in 1912.
Frank’s wife, Myrtle Ginder Smith, was among the pioneers of the profession as the second licensed female funeral director in the State of Ohio. A proud Lancaster native, Myrtle shared Frank’s commitment to serving families with dignity, compassion and professionalism all while playing the organ for over 35 years.
Frank also worked closely with lifelong friends and fellow funeral director A. E. Johnson, who trained under Frank before opening his own funeral home in Baltimore, Ohio. They introduced Fairfield County’s first motorized hearse, a remarkable advancement at the time, even sharing the vehicle by changing the funeral home signage depending on who was using it.
The next generation continued the family tradition through Dr. Irvine Ginder Smith, affectionately known as “Smitty.” Always known for his gentle nature and great bow ties. Irvine graduated The Ohio State University School of Optometry and then served his country in the AAF during World War II stationed in England. He returned home, married Mary “Petie” Smith, and later attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science to continue the family profession. In 1979, Irvine purchased the Johnson-Smith Funeral Home, proudly renaming the funeral home "Johnson-Smith" continuing the legacy established by A.E. Johnson and his son Earl Johnson and daughter Nell Hardigrove .
Irvine’s son, Frank R. Smith, carried the family tradition forward with innovation and vision. After attending Southern Methodist University and graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Frank devoted more than 50 years to serving families as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Always looking toward the future of funeral service, he secured the domain funeralhome.com in the early 1990s and, in 2000, established Fairfield County’s first crematory. He also developed the nationally trademarked Caring Cremation® process, reinforcing the funeral home’s longstanding commitment to quality, trust, and compassionate care.
Today, the fifth generation of the Smith family continues that tradition through F. Eric Smith. A graduate of Ohio University and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Eric proudly continues the family’s mission of serving families with professionalism, innovation, and heartfelt compassion.
For more than 100 years, the Smith family and our dedicated staff have been honored to serve the families of Fairfield County and surrounding communities. At both Frank E. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory and Johnson-Smith Funeral Home, we remain committed to providing personalized services that celebrate life, honor memories, and bring comfort during difficult times.
We understand that every family is unique, and every life deserves to be remembered in a meaningful way. Whether you are planning a traditional funeral, cremation service, memorial gathering, or celebration of life, our caring and experienced professionals are here to guide you every step of the way.
You are welcome to call us at any hour, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. We also invite you to visit our funeral homes in person or explore the resources available throughout our website from the comfort and privacy of your home.
At our family funeral homes, caring for your family is not simply our profession, it is our family tradition and honor.
