Benny J. Smith, 72, departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2010.
Ben was born April 21, 1938, in Springfield, MO to Helen (Kreig) Smith & Clyde Smith. He grew up and attended school in Rogersville and Springfield. At age 17 he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his Country for 4 years (1955-59). On Jan. 31, 1959 he married Rosemary Bramwell at Ft. Benning, Ga.
In 1968, Ben received Christ as Savior and felt the call to preach. In 1969, they moved to Colorado Springs, Co. where Ben graduated from Bible College in 1972. They pastored churches in Wichita, KS (1972-75) and Springfield, MO (1975-84) and then Ben did Evangelistic work for several years.
He was employed for several years with Jon’s Truck & Equipment. After he retired he restored and sold Coke-Cola machines and memorabilia.
Ben has a love for people and was always ready to listen and help whoever and whenever he could.
Ben is survived by his wife Rosemary of the home, 3 sons and their families, Joe and Kathy, Chris and Susan and Tim and Lora, his 5 grandchildren, Ashley, Brittany, Angelica, Ethan, and step-grandson Michael Green. His brothers, Jon & Albert, half-brother Robert and half-sisters Janet Adams and Sandi Kelley, several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Sarah Arbuckle and Betty Lund and half-brothers R.C. and Bob Kinser.
Services will be held Saturday, June 26, 2 pm. at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole. Visitation will be held Friday, June 25 from 6-8 pm also at the Funeral home. Burial will take place on Monday, June 28, 10 am at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Feed the Children, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK 73107.