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August 29, 1933

March 12, 2022

August 29, 1933 -- March 12, 2022

Edward Stanley Smith, Age:88

Edward Stanley Smith was born on August 29, 1933, in Shouyang, (northern) China, to missionaries Frances Jane Sheller and William Harlan Smith. Ed died peacefully in his sleep Saturday morning, March 12, 2022, at the Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester, IN, next to the love of his life and partner of 68 years, Jean Weaver Smith. He enjoyed a great life, full of family, friends, and wonderful adventures!

Ed and Jean met as freshmen at Manchester College and were married on Memorial Day, 1953, at the Manchester Church of the Brethren. They have three children, Melea Smith, Michelle Brown and Bret Smith; nine grandchildren (Andrew, Aaron and Sarah Ross; Collin Brown; Dawn, Cassie, Bret Jr., Michelle and Patrick Smith); and 26 great-grandchildren.

He was the sixth of eight children. Siblings include Pauline (Ralph) Delk, Helen (Roy) Hiteshew, Dorothy (Jim) Mason, Dwight, Lloyd--all deceased, as well as Shirley (Jim) Mishler and Maureen Weaver. Ed graduated in 1951 from Flora High School in Indiana. He received his BA in history from Manchester College in 1955 and went on to Bethany Seminary in Chicago, graduating in 1958.

Ed had a brilliant mind, was a talented teacher/orator, loved golf and gardening, and was a true creative. His moral compass was without question. He had the ability to inspire others. His influence will continue through the lives of his children and their children. He is fondly remembered by many congregants as well, having served pastorates for a combined 35 years at the Decatur (IL) Church of the Brethren; Eastwood (Akron, OH); Plymouth, (IN); Elkhart City Church (IN) and South Bend Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, just down the street from his beloved Notre Dame (IN). Go Irish!

After returning from China at the age of 7, Ed grew up in the Midwest and considered himself a Hoosier (Indiana). Following retirement in Northern Indiana, Ed and Jean had the chance to visit China, taking in a variety of ancient sites and returning to the city of his birth. They also traveled to Ireland, Mexico and Hawaii, as well as completing their tour of U.S. states with a ferry trip along the Inside Passage from Seattle to Juneau. Additional destinations included Israel, Egypt, and Jordan. These trips allowed him to explore his great interest in photography, amassing hundreds of slides taken on his travels around the world. He created a dynamic China slideshow, which he presented to high school World History students and various other interested church and civic groups.

Ed and Jean lived in Naperville, IL (where their daughter, Melea, resides) from 2011 to 2019 and were members of the Downer Grove Friends Meeting (Quakers).

Folks who knew him were aware and often benefited from his other talent as a self-taught woodworker. Ed offered repair work to friends, created birdhouses for neighbors, and built toy boxes and other gifts for his children and grandchildren. Some of the furniture he created takes a place of pride in their Timbercrest apartment and in his children’s homes. Ed Smith was the kind of guy you wanted to live next to, as he was a fixer and problem solver.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s name to: Timbercrest Senior Living, North Manchester (IN); Heart-to-Heart Hospice of Ft. Wayne (IN); or the Parkinson’s Foundation. A Celebration of Life will be held later this Spring.

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Kwaben Komai October 01, 2021

Grade school friend with Pia Richmond Hill , Georgia

Dear Pia, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May his Soul Rest In Peace.

Trevor and Donna Mae Huss October 02, 2021

Friends of Pia Savage , Minnesota

Our deepest sympathy is with the Nielsen and McDonough family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Melita Laroco October 02, 2021

Nurse at The Danish Home Chicago , Illinois

Whenever someone special leave his legacy, there’s always a trail of great memories to the lives of whom he has touched . Mr. Nielsen will be greatly missed and will always be remembered. To the bereaved family,: May the blessings of our Lord give you the comfort and peace that you need during this difficult time.

Kathy Riordan October 03, 2021

Pia, Leif’s daughter, attended the school where I was a counselor Chicago , Illinois

My thoughts/prayers are with you . May your faith, family , memories, stories and friends bring you healing and comfort. Together with Diana, he raised a great daughter. God bless…

Grace Barney October 04, 2021

Worked in activity department at DH Home Elmhurst , Illinois

My condolences to Diana, Pia, family, and Members of the Danish Community. May your memories be a support at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brian Conrad October 07, 2021

Friend Dubai ,

My condolences to Leif’s family, what a tragedy that this amazing man and role model has left us. Leif was such an inspiration to me. I met Leif for the first time through one of his Danish exchange baker workers, always kind and helpful to others. You will truly be missed Leif ❤️

Heather October 08, 2021

Friend Carmel , Indiana

Beautifully said obituary about Leif. He will be missed by many. Curt and I send our thought and prayers and will be in attendance at the ceremony on Saturday to support Diana and the family.

Obituary Detail

Edward Stanley Smith, Age:88

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