Farrell Gene Smith

81, formerly of Avon, IN, died Friday, March 10, 2017 in Tampa, Florida after complications following surgery.

Farrell was born March 22,1935 to Logan and Emma (Little) Smith. After attending Shortridge High School, he enlisted in the Navy working as a signalman on the USS New Jersey, the USS Simon Lake, and USS Bushnell, then rising to the rank Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Reserves.

He married Mildred (Mickey) Walsh in 1952; she preceded him in death.

He worked for Stout’s Shoes and Klapper Shoes in Indianapolis early in his adulthood, leading to a lifetime of expert knowledge about shoes.

Farrell followed a lifetime passion for aviation by joining the Federal Aviation Administration. His career with the FAA went on to stretch 33 years, during which time he served in a variety of roles. He worked as a Flight Service Specialist in Indianapolis and an Air Traffic Controller in Moline, IL, and Columbus, OH. While he worked as a Air Traffic Quality Assurance Specialist for the Great Lakes Region, he was responsible for evaluating the operations of air traffic control centers throughout the Midwest. Farrell ended his career in the FAA working as an Area Manager in Chicago, IL at O’hare International Airport in the air traffic control tower.

Upon retirement from the FAA, Farrell continued his lifelong commitment to air traffic safety by starting his own business as an aviation safety consultant. He was an expert witness on FAA compliance, believing that his knowledge of the air traffic control system helped ensure that high standards were enforced.

His love of flying wasn’t limited to his professional life. Farrell studied and earned his private pilot’s license, and then his instructor’s license. He spent countless hours flying- for pleasure and for business.

Farrell volunteered for years as an adult leader in the Boy Scouts. He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor and Committee Chairman. He had a positive impact on many Scouts and built life-long friendships with other adult leaders.

Farrell is survived by his wife, Diana Carpenter; his children and stepchildren Kevin (Tammi), Lorie, Susie (Pete) Holtz, Steve (Florence), Scott (Laurie) Carpenter, and Lori Stephens. Farrell’s many grandchildren who will miss him are Kelly (Joshua), David (Tosha), Rachel (Ryan), Desa, Curt, Chris, Dan (Brooke), Pam (Sal), Stephanie (Tim), Beth (Tom), Brian (Audra), Tyler, Jacob, Logan, Kimberly, Phillip, Zachary, Lindsey, Austin and Matthew. Farrell was great-grandfather to Jacob, Isaac, Ian, Claire, Charles, Mikayla, Avery, Zoe and Ari.

Farrell was preceded in death by Mickey, his parents, and a brother, Rudy V. Smith.

Visitation will be at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary, 2126 East 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220, on Friday, March 17, 2017, from 3 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 5884 Crittenden Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 on Saturday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m. A private ceremony for interment at Crown Hill Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.