Edson L. Smith

Romans 14:8

At sunrise on July 20, 2014, Edson Leonard Smith went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He lived an honorable life in which many knew him as a great man of integrity, and he wanted everyone to join in the joy he found as a servant of Christ.

He was born July 9, 1930 in Kansas City Missouri to Spencer and Minnie (Dulin) Smith. Although his relationship with God and family were considered his greatest achievements, Edson also found other accomplishments in his dedication to his Country and work: He served in the U. S. Air Force (1951-1955) during the Korean conflict; graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.A. in Biology in 1951 and completed graduate work at USC and UCSB in the 70’s; Was lab manager at Mount Sinai (now Cedar-Sinai) (1956-1957); Lab manager at Community Memorial Hospital (1957-1980), where he also educated, and trained over 50 Lab Technologists; and Chemistry Supervisor at St. John’s Regional Medical Center (1980-1996). Edson also served faithfully in many offices at Grace Lutheran Church and presently as church historian.

Edson was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer and Minnie (Dulin) Smith; brothers, Howard and Lloyd Smith; and granddaughter Brittany Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife and “Earth angel” of 57 years, Verna Smith, and their three children, Michael, Darryl (wife Barbara), and Deanne Purcell (husband Garth); Six grandchildren: Chad, Danielle, Marissa, Brett, Jacob and Kirsten; step grandchildren: Brett (wife Karen) Adams and Heather (husband Michael) Richardson; step great-grandchildren: Chloe, Remy, Brynn & Gavin; Sister Dorothy Kostuke; Sisters-in-law Ruth Rapp and Charlotte Fischer. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and their children, cousins and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on July 30, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ventura. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edson’s memory may be made to Grace Lutheran Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura, CA.