Jesse Smith

Jesse L. Smith, 91, passed away February 6, 2010 in a Mineral Wells hospital. He was born December 20, 1918 in Lipan the son of Jesse C. and Dora Lee Boyd Smith. He served in the US Army from 1943-1945. He entered the pastoral ministry in 1955. His pastoral ministry extended from Illinois to Okinawa, Japan and from Texas to Alaska. He had a heartfelt dedication to the military service men and women. This dedication prompted his service as Pentecostal Servicemen's Director in the Far East during the Vietnam War, Ministering from Guam to Vietnam and Philippines to Japan and Korean congregations. Rev. Smith retired from pastoral ministry in January 1987 and then returned to active ministry in order to start and build a mission church in North Pole, Alaska. Rev. Smith and Mrs. Smith retired back to Mineral Wells in 1994 and resumed attending the church where they were married June 29, 1938. Services will be 2 PM Thursday, February 11, 2010 at the Church of God. Burial will follow in Indian Creek Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. He is survived by his wife of 71 years: Louise (Rushing) Smith of Mineral Wells, sons and daughter-in-law: Leon and Linda Smith of Sterling, Alaska, Louis Alton and Diana Smith of Mansfield, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Bercus E. and Pinkey P Smith, sister: Icie Mae Dill, and daughter: Jurine Ann Savage.