Pastor Kevin Smith

May 1, 1966 - May 24, 2018

Kevin Wayne Smith, 52, of Eddyville, died Thursday, May 24, 2018, in Harrison County, Indiana. He was born May 1, 1966, in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, the son of Larry and Virginia Veasman Smith. He grew up in Decatur City, Iowa. He graduated from Central Decatur High School with the class of 1983. Following high school, he continued his education at Southwestern Community College. Kevin graduated from there with a diploma in automechanics. On June 28, 1986, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Lisa Green, at Leon, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Timothy Allen and Heather Renee. Kevin worked various jobs in his life. He was a true craftsman and handyman. In 2004, Kevin felt called to the ministry. He completed a five-year theology degree from St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. During his 14 years as a pastor he served at: Peru, Truro, Murray, Lansing, New Albin, Lacey, Beacon, and Eddyville United Methodist Churches. He was also a chaplain for the Iowa Firefighters. Kevin was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was passionate about preserving wildlife habitat. He was quick to get involved in local conservation when his pastoral duties would take him to new areas of the state. He had been very active with the Friends of Pool 9 Mississippi River conservation group. He also enjoyed driving school bus and his work as an ambulance driver. After he entered the ministry he did not use his automechanic knowledge for his career, however he was always quick to “take a look under the hood” to help a friend or parishioner. His family includes his wife of nearly 32 years, Lisa Smith of Eddyville; a son and his wife, Tim and Tammie Smith of Adel; a daughter and her husband, Heather and Nick Leske of Chariton; two grandchildren, Landon and Natalie; his parents, Larry and Virginia Smith of Weldon, Iowa; two brothers and their wives, Mike and Kelcie Smith of Chester, Virginia and Dennis and Vickie Smith of Decatur, Iowa; a sister and her husband, Lorie and Terry Bear of Weldon; his mother and father in law, Joyce and Mike Madden of Leon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues. Kevin was preceded in death by his father in law, David Green. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. in the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Jon Gaul officiating. Burial will be in the Smyrna Cemetery near Weldon, Iowa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday morning after 11 in the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa and the family will be at the church from 4-7 Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you continue to honor Kevin’s life by making a donation to your local church.