Francis Eugene "Gene" Smyth, age 85, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away at home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by family. Gene was born on March 18, 1940, on a farm near Spalding, Nebraska. He was the sixth child of eight children (baby girl Smyth, Jim, John, Joe, Tom and Mary Pat) born to Frank J. Smyth and Marcella M. Peterson. He grew up in a large and loving family with his siblings on the farm where he learned perseverance and hard work. He graduated from Spalding Academy and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska. In 1963 he joined the Marine Corps and served in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 1968. On March 12, 1966, Gene married the love of his life, Marjorie L. Hicks, in San Leandro, California. Together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, laughter, and dedication to family. They welcomed their first child, Kim, in 1971 and their second child, Kristen, in 1972. Gene's professional journey began in Oakland, California. His career led him through several moves-including to Arizona, and later back to California with Foremost-McKesson. In 1982, Gene and Marge moved to Las Vegas, where he purchased the Dreyer's Ice Cream distributorship and built a thriving family business. Gene had an entrepreneurial spirit that helped him to excel in the ice cream market in Las Vegas. He became a well-respected businessman in the industry that he loved, and worked until his passing. His greatest personal achievement, beyond his cherished family, was building and running a successful business in the ice cream industry. Gene was known for his humility, patience, and quiet strength. He had a lifelong love of sports-both as a participant and a fan. In his younger years, he played football, baseball, and track, winning numerous awards for his speed and athleticism. As an adult, he enjoyed golf and later took great joy in watching his grandchildren play their own sports. Gene also had a playful side and he loved to tell elaborate stories and pull pranks on those he loved. Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marge Smyth; his daughters Kimberly (Chad) and Kristen (Patrick); and his adored grandchildren Kelly, Kurt, Haley, Tanner, Hope, and Katie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marcella; and his brothers Jim, Jerry, and Joe. A visitation and funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Canyon Ridge Christian Church in Las Vegas. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the funeral at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements are being handled by Care Cremation & Burial. In honor of Gene's life and legacy, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/more-ways-to-give ) or the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/nevada/support ). Gene will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, and a man of quiet grace who lived a life of integrity and kindness.