Wayne D Goldsmith

A true adventurer, Wayne ran road races into his mid-80s. He was a staple in the Fort Wayne Galloping Gobbler, where he frequently won his age group (yes, he often ran uncontested). He also enjoyed hiking (including the Grand Canyon at age 79), fishing, and other outdoor adventures. Wayne also championed his children’s and grandchildren’s adventures, cheering them on from the sidelines at Ironman races and high school sporting events. In his final days, he smiled and said that even the process of death would be a great adventure.

Professionally, Wayne was a pastor. For 45 years, he served congregations full time in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Ontario. After retiring, he spent another 15 years serving many congregations as an interim minister. And while he was a Protestant pastor, he loved Notre Dame football. Go Irish!

A man who practiced what he preached, Wayne had memorized the New Testament book of Philippians, and, though struggling with cancer, recited it once again during the last week of his life. Among the verses the best exemplified his life was this: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only at your own interests, but also at the interests of others.” Wayne truly strove to do this in his family, in his ministry and in his community. Without doubt, he was greeted at the gates of Heaven with the accolade from Matthew, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

Wayne was born Oct. 21, 1929 in Wauseon, Ohio to the late Harry H. and Caroline (Sauder) Goldsmith. He was married to his beloved Mary (McCurdy) Goldsmith for 66 years, and missed her greatly since her death in 2018. During their life together, they mourned the death of an infant son, Charles Goldsmith; their daughter, Beverly Goldsmith-Mills; and their son-in-law, Michael Mills. Seven siblings also preceded Wayne in death.

Wayne is survived by his son, Mark W. Goldsmith of Hillsdale, Mich.; daughter, Beth Goldsmith (Deborah Romary) of Fort Wayne, Ind; 7 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 2 siblings.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. Sat., June 12, 2021 at Central Ministries, 5801 Schwartz Rd., Fort Wayne, Ind. with a calling one hour prior. Masks are requested to be worn at all times. There also will be a memorial calling on Fri., June 11, 2021 from 1:00-3:00 and 5:00-7:00 p.m. at D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Rd., Fort Wayne, Ind. Private burial will be at Concordia Gardens Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Ind. Preferred memorials are to Central Ministries, Vera Bradley Foundation or Community Transportation Network (CTN). To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com.