Leonard Smith

Husband, Father, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Great-Great Grandpa, Friend, Pastor, Missionary, Leader, Man of God, Prayer Warrior and Jokester are some words to describe the man. Len was born November 15,1935 in Sunbury, PA to Thomas and Esther Smith. He grew up in York, Pa where he attended Youth for Christ meetings with his brother Glenn at the York Gospel Center. This is where he gave his life to Christ and began his new journey. It was this church that introduced him to the mission field and there is where he began to feel a tug at his heart for missions. 

Len met his wife, the love of his life, Rose Marie Curtis at Grace College and married her before he started his studies at Grace Theological Seminary where he graduated with his Doctorate in Theology. This was when he began his incredible journey filled with fires, earthquakes, jungles and hungry hearts for Jesus. He moved his growing family to Lima, Peru as a missionary. Everywhere he went, there was never a doubt of whom he served. Throughout his life countless people were given the gift of eternal life because he spoke up and obeyed God’s calling. He served 20 plus years in Peru. Len also planted churches in New Mexico and Arizona. At the age of 75 he retired from Southwest Bible Church Mission, but he never stopped sharing God’s word with anyone who would listen. 

12 years ago, Len became very ill with bladder cancer. He was in the ICU when the doctor called his family in to say goodbye, stating he wouldn’t live through the night. This happened a few times. His family did not believe it was his time yet and prayed Psalm 118:17 over him “You shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” God did have other plans for him and miraculously healed him as a living testimony. His family had the privilege of watching Len not only heal, but flourish. Len was loved by so many friends and family as he finished his time here on earth in Colorado. 

He is survived by his sons, David Smith and his wife Debra, Dennis Smith and his wife Betsy, his 3 daughters Debra, Diana Eicher and her husband Jerry, and Dee Flores and her husband Moses. He has 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren with 1 more on the way, and 1 great-great grandchild. He was very proud of each one. Len was greeted by his wife and so many of those he had a part in leading to the Lord on December 9, 2024. Jesus was there too with open arms saying “well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.”

 A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Monument View Bible Church.