Gordon J. Smith

Gordon J. Smith passed away September 15, 2024. Gordon was born in Ponca City, OK on February 4, 1939 to Leona (Hollister) and The Rt. Rev. Gordon V. Smith. The family moved to Des Moines, IA in 1943, where Gordon attended Greenwood Elementary School, Callanan Middle School and Roosevelt High School. He also attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where his father served as rector. Gordon V was later consecrated as Bishop of Iowa in 1950. A running joke for Gordon J., was that he was a S.O.B. (Son of a Bishop), he used this line throughout his life.

Gordon graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in horticulture, and was an active member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity throughout his entire life. After a few years selling veterinary medicines for the Upjohn Company, he transitioned to a career as a financial advisor starting in 1968. He worked for several of the largest firms in Des Moines and was instrumental in opening the first A.G. Edwards branch in the state of Iowa in downtown Des Moines, serving as Branch Manager. He worked for Wells Fargo Advisors at the time of his retirement in 2009.

He was active in the Episcopal church, attending St. Timothy’s in West Des Moines and later St. Lukes in Des Moines. He loved the serenity of landscaping and typically would spend several hours every night working to perfect his yard and flower gardens. Friends and neighbors would often see him walking his yard with his glass of wine.

In his later years after (his beloved wife) Karen passed away in 2008, he was active in many charitable activities and organizations, including The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, St Luke’s Episcopal Church, Iowa State University, Grandview University, Blank Park Zoo, Whiterock Conservancy, Salisbury House, Animal Rescue League and Planned Parenthood.

He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially during the holidays. He unconditionally loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and his cockatiel Samson. Gordon will be missed by all.

Gordon is survived by his four children, Charles Greth (Jennifer), Rick Greth (Shellie), Mike Greth (Melissa) and Alex Smith; and his seven grandchildren, Zach and Lauren (Charles), Luke, Ben and Caroline (Rick) as well as Lindsay and Allie (Mike).

He was preceded in death by Andrew Smith (son), Melinda Heiberg (sister), Florence Smith (step mother), Gordon V Smith (father), Leona Smith (mother), Karen Smith (wife), and Linda Smith (former wife and mother of Andrew and Alex Smith).

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 22nd from 4-6 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA 50266 and the funeral service on Monday, September 23rd at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3424 Forest Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19th Street in West Des Moines, IA 50265

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Furry Friends Pet Refuge.

Print