John Clarence Smith

Feb 4, 1908 - Jul 10, 2005

John Clarence Smith went to his eternal reward on July 12, 2005, in Carmel, IN, where he had resided since July 2001. John , 97, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His wife, Ruth, of over 71 years preceded him in death on Sept 11, 2002. Three sisters and two brothers also preceded him in death. He lived in South Bend, IN, for over 85 years.

John was born to Thomas and Rose Smith on February 4, 1908, in White Cloud, MI. They moved to South Bend in 1916. He was a graduate of South Bend Central High School in 1926.

Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. Donna (Robert) Brunner, Fishers, IN; son, Richard L. Smith , Chicago, IL; two granddaughters, Mrs. Shari (Shaun) Hill, Springfield, IL, and Mrs. Kimberly (Robert) Logan, Fishers, IN; sister, Mrs. Margaret (Robert) Vardaman, Marion, IN; seven great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

John left behind a legacy as a Bible scholar, man of integrity, good provider, businessman and a devout Christian, quiet, faithful and prayerful with a generosity to those in need. He was a member of the Sonlight Fellowship Wesleyan Church, South Bend, IN, for 89 years where he taught Sunday School for many years. He was the Sunday School superintendent for 25 years and was an active member of the local board of administration. He attended the Indiana North District Conference for the Wesleyan Church for 61 years as a lay delegate. John was a member of the Gideon International for over 66 years where he held local and state offices. He participated in the Gideon jail ministry for men, and assisted with Bible distribution for many years. Mr. Smith did volunteer work at World Missionary Press, New Paris, IN. He served as St. Joseph County Youth For Christ president in the 1950s.

In 1926 he was employed as a truck driver with the Lincoln Fruit Co., later named the Arcade Market in 1929, Main St., South Bend. In 1937 he became the manager, and in 1939 he and his employer introduced frozen foods to the area. The demand for frozen food soared after World War II and the business was reorganized in 1946 as Cities Frosted Foods, Inc., the first distributor of frozen foods to South Bend and surrounding areas. The "Amana plan" during the 1950s, a program that permitted consumers to buy freezers filled with food on credit, expanded the business tremendously. In 1964 Cities Frosted Foods, Inc., was purchased by Simon Bros., Inc. John continued with Simon Bros., Inc., until his retirement in 1978. The following 20 winters were spent in Avon Park, FL, with his wife, Ruth.

John will be remembered as a loving father and family member, faithful Christian witness who passionately pursued the heart of God. His gain is eternal. Our loss is difficult.

Funeral services celebrating John 's life will be on Saturday, July 16, 2005, in Sonlight Fellowship Wesleyan Church, 3702 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN. Visitation is from noon to 2:00 p.m. followed by the memorial celebration service. Rev. David Vardaman, nephew, will be officiating. Burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, John requested memorials be made to the Gideon Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 2556, South Bend, IN 46680.

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, is handling the arrangements.

Published in the South Bend Tribune; July 15, 2005.

Source: Legacy.com

04/16/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26471814/john_clarence-smith