Eli Beiler Smoker

He was born to David L. and Rachel Smoker on November 20, 1943, in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania. On December 11, 1976, he married, Carol Gwen Lapp, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to God. Eli leaves behind his son, Marvin Smoker of Paraguay, South America, and his daughters, Anita Smoker, Viola Smoker, and Frieda Stoll, all of Pulaski, Tennessee. He was grandfather to Brian, Vernon, Emily, Valerie, Joy, Merlin, and Dillion Smoker, also to Howard, Heather, Heidi, Gilbert, and Gabriel Stoll, and a dear brother to Benuel (Naomi) Smoker. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol; his parents, David and Rachel Smoker; his son, Marlin Smoker; his son-in-law, Eric Stoll; and infant grandson, Gregory Stoll. While still single, he had the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land and later to Paraguay, a place that would capture his heart. In 1979, he took his bride to Paraguay to make it their home and share the Gospel, where he joyfully cleared jungle land for his dairy farm, as sideline he did custom farm work for neighbors. July of 1999, the family returned to the United States, spending the first year in Pennsylvania where Eli welded for J&L. He later lived in Crossville, Tennessee for six years, until the church asked the family to be part of the new Mennonite congregation in Pulaski, Tennessee, and was a charter member of Goodspring Mennonite Church, Eli lived his faith in quiet, steady ways. Eli retired in March 2026 after many years of serving the community with construction work. He loved spending hours reading his Bible, the church mail, and books until his eyesight began to fail, he found great comfort in listening to singing CD’s and the Bible on audio. He also took great pleasure in the simple work of mowing the lawn and trimming. Eli will be remembered for his gentle sprit, his hard-working hands, his love for his family, and his willingness to go wherever God called him.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Goodspring Mennonite Church. Funeral Service will be 10am Friday, November 13, 2026, at Goodspring Mennonite Church with burial to follow in Goodspring Mennonite Cemetery.