John L. Smith
May 05, 2009
John L. Smith, 69 of Fort Wayne, Indiana, formerly from Des Moines, Iowa, passed away May 4, 2009 at his home with his wife by his side. Visitation at the Covington Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, Indiana, will be Friday, May 8th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and Saturday, May 9th from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. Visitation at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, will be Wednesday, May 13th from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm with funeral services at 1:00 pm followed by a graveside service at the Masonic Cemetery.
John was born September 28, 1939 in Des Moines and spent most of his childhood in Iowa. After high school John joined the army serving a lot of his time in Germany. Upon returning home he began working at AT&T in Des Moines, retiring after 30 years of service. Retirement did not suit him and John began working part time at the Des Moines Public Library and teaching computer skills to students at Park Avenue Elementary School. After moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana John began working with special needs children and oversaw the publication of the Summit Middle School Yearbook and later was an instructional assistant.
In his early years John played for a couple of local semi-professional football teams before joining the Boston Patriots. He was a Native American anthropologist and a meticulous researcher and historian authoring several books. Through the years he developed an extensive library of more than a thousand books to support his research and interests. He was adopted by the Oglala Lakota Tribe for his work among the Lakota at the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations of South Dakota and given the name Lone-Man-Walking. John also learned the skill of leather beadwork and shared his beautiful work with many lucky friends. He was loved by many and considered by all to be a gentleman in every sense of the word.
He is survived by his wife Charlene (Charlie), his children Bill, Diana, Jennifer and Jessie; his brother Don, sisters Joanne and Linda; grandchildren Shaunna and Max. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy and his brother Bob.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lorna Truck
05/24/2009
So sorry to hear about John's death. I worked with him at the Central Library. He was a great guy. I am very sorry for your loss.
Lorna Truck
Retired Library Deputy Director
Dorothy Kelley
05/15/2009
I was so sad to hear that John died. I hired him several years ago to be the book mender for the Des Moines Public Library. Everyone who knew him at the library appreciated his easygoing personality, as well as the high quality of his work. He was the nicest man. We were so disappointed to hear that he was moving to Indiana and would have to leave the job. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Kelley
Retired Deputy Director
Des Moines Public Library
Linda&Pat Peakin
05/11/2009
Charlie,
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Linda&Pat
Megan (Scritchfield) Ramspott
05/11/2009
Charlene,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was such an amazing man-so full of joy and love. I have such fond memories of him.
Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John will be very much missed by all who had the privelege and pleasure of knowing him.
God bless,
Megan