Richard Virgil Smith, 85, of Plainville, Indiana, passed from this life on Thursday, February 25, 2021, after suffering a massive stroke. Richard was born on January 20, 1936 to Ray and Faye Smith of Montgomery, Indiana.
Richard graduated from Montgomery High School in 1954. After graduation he went to Cincinnati Bible Seminary where he achieved Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity degrees.
Richard married Wilma (Burris) Smith in 1957 and their lives were blessed with four amazing children: Glenda (Douglas) Scudder, Robert (Lorna) Smith, Barbara (Mark) Wilkinson and Roger (Lee) Smith, thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, that were greatly treasured. Also surviving is one brother, Jerry (Debby) Smith.
A student ministry while at Wrays Christian Church led to youth ministries in Cincinnati and Flora, Illinois. His lifelong desire to do foreign mission work was realized when he received a call to work in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) for 10 years, where the family with four children enjoyed the work and people of a culture that was new to them. They were then invited to help churches in New Zealand for over three years. Upon returning to the states, he ministered at Plainville Christian Church for seventeen years before serving in the Odon and Elnora Christian Churches.
His greatest delight was working with Hospice for about fifteen years as well as serving as volunteer chaplain at the Daviess Community Hospital. He dearly loved bringing cheer to suffering people and directing people to the Lord.
Richard was preceded in death by: his parents; son-in-law, Douglas Scudder; baby brother, Eldon; sister, Ilene and brother-in-law, Pat Bailey.
Memorials may be made in memory of Richard to Camp Illiana, 723 E 450 S, Washington, IN 47501.
Private family funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Plainville Christian Church with members of the family officiating. Richard will be laid to rest in Sugarland Mausoleum in Washington.
The family invites you to view the services on the internet at https://meetings.ringcentral.com/join?jid=6902535909&pwd=ZmRqK1RnRldBWFJjaEdsVWdqcEFPdz09.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the church.
In compliance with state regulations, social distancing and face masks are required by all attending.
All arrangements have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Condolences and memories of Richard may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.