Dr. Charles Elmer Smith

April 19, 1921 - November 07, 2009

Dr. Charles Elmer Smith Obituary (Age 88) Formerly of Indianapolis, IN, passed into Christ's presence on Saturday evening, November 7, 2009 in Spokane. He was born in Indianapolis on April 19,1921 to Charles S. Smith and Edith Haught Smith. He married Barbara Helen Trotter on November 27, 1946. Dr. Smith was educated at Wheaton College, Butler University, Dallas Theological Seminary and Indiana Christian University. He was pastor of Victory Baptist Church, Indianapolis for 22 years, First Baptist Church, Spokane, WA for 12 years and churches in Whitestown, IN, Priest River, ID, Worley, ID and Odessa, WA in his early and post-retirement years. Dr. Smith was a professor at Indiana Christian University and Inland Empire School of the Bible in Spokane, WA. A Wheaton schoolmate of Dr. Billy Graham, Dr. Smith was an organizer of crusades in both Indianapolis and Spokane and served as President of the ministerial associations in both cities. He led many tours of the Holy Land from 1968 to 1995. In recent years he has been active in Love Thy Neighbor which ministers to residents of retirement communities. He was a former president of the Cascade Mobile Home Community Assoc. and lead regular bible studies there. He is survived by his six children Pamela Strack (Jerry) of Indianapolis, IN, Dr. C. Michael Smith of Dowagiac, MI, Lucinda Hughes (Larry) of Noblesville, IN, Richard Smith of Spokane, Thomas Smith of Deer Park, WA and Susan Vuong (Brian) of Spokane and 14 grandchildren. He was preceded in death in 2002 by Barbara, his wife of 56 years, parents and 3 brothers. Funeral Service 11:00AM Wednesday November 11, 2009 at Trinity Baptist Church, 6528 N. Monroe St., where he was a member. Viewing will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 at the church. Memorial Contributions may be made to Love Thy Neighbor Ministries, P.O. Box 1886, Gresham, OR 97030.