John M. SMITH

25 MAR 1931 - 13 MAY 2022

• BIRTH: 25 MAR 1931, Elmira, Chemung, New York
• DEATH: 13 MAY 2022, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

INDEX

[N32267] Dr. John M. Smith
March 25, 1931 ~ May 13, 2022 (age 91)

On May 13, 2022, Dr. John M. Smith, passed away and is now celebrating new life in heaven with the Lord Jesus, singing praises in his beautiful bass voice. He was born March 25, 1931, in Elmira, New York, to Robert and Catherine Smith. He left the United States at a young age with his pioneer missionary parents to Kenya, Africa, experiencing the adventures and challenges of that wonderful part of his life, until returning to the United States as a teenager. He then attended Mt. Carmel High School, followed by Kentucky Mountain Bible School, and then graduated from Asbury University in 1955. He married Joan R. Smith (nee Hiles), who predeceased him in March 2016, his love and partner for life, married 61 years. They were blessed with five children, all surviving: Jonathan (Cindi) Smith, Beth (Derrick) Lue, Jan Smith, Jennifer (Jonathan) Sabo and Julie (Todd) Tirotta. Later six grandchildren and a great-grandson brought him much joy! He also leaves a brother and two sisters: Anna Verne Lee, David Smith and Sarah (Les) Werner. During the early years of married life, John taught high school and pastored a small church in Ohio. Later, he attended Ohio State University, and received his doctoral degree in 1970, majoring in Microbiology and Biochemistry. He then took a teaching position at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, until 1978, subsequently moving to Mishawaka, Indiana to teach at Bethel University. He would finish his career at Bethel College, retiring in 2001, as Professor Emeritus: Biology. He loved teaching! John was a man of deep faith, a daily prayer warrior, a bit of a renaissance man, and always worked hard to provide for his family. He attended Gospel Center Missionary Church for over 40 years, served on the Missions Committee and taught Sunday School until he was 90 years old. He used his beautiful bass voice to sing in the church choir, sing solos at Hubbard Hill chapel services, and participate as a member of South Bend Symphonic Choir for over 20 years. He appreciated and was a student of good music, particularly classical, with a special fondness for learning and memorizing Schubert’s songs of German Lieder. He was a collector of coins and stamps, a poet, and a scholar. He will be remembered for his frequent use of puns, sharing jokes, working the daily crossword puzzle, being a fan of game shows, recycling initiatives, enjoying sports, particularly the Cubs and Colts, his Santa-like beard, and his generous and kind spirit. He left a positive impact on so many lives and was loved greatly! Funeral services will be held for John at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2022, at Gospel Center Missionary Church, 930 S. 30th Street, South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family between 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Palmer Funeral Home - River Park, South Bend, is assisting the family with arrangements. Entombment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John may be made to the Smith Family Scholarship, Kentucky Mountain Bible College, 855 Highway 541, Jackson, KY 41339. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com