Obituary
In Loving Memory of Brent E. Smith
It is with regret that we announce the passing of Brent E. Smith, a loved father, grandfather, friend, teacher, pastor, and mentor. Brent passed on October 15th.
Brent was born on November 9th 1950 to Don and Eleanor Smith in Kokomo, Indiana. He was a loving son to his parents and a loyal brother to his sister Lisa Alred. He cherished friendship as much as family and counted Terry Campbell, John Gunn, Mike Bandy, and others as friends and brothers.
He attended Greenwood High School and then the University of Indianapolis, where he earned his degree in education. He was a lifelong learner and eventually went on to earn his PhD in history at Ball State University. He researched and became the definitive expert on Jonathan Jennings, the first governor of the Indiana Territory. His thesis research revolved heavily around Jonathan Jenning’s time in Canonsburg, PA. On October 15th, Brent passed away at his son Lincoln’s home in Canonsburg, PA.
Family and friends were the cornerstone of Brent's life. He married Diane Rich and together they raised 4 children, Amy Reeves, Susan Riewerts, Kristen Kertesz, and Lincoln Smith. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Atticus Reeves, Amelia Reeves, Tennyson Reeves, Sampson Riewerts, Cleo Riewerts, Beatrice Riewerts, Ramona Kertesz, Oscar Kertesz, Theodore Smith, and Greyson Smith. He loved his children and grandchildren more than anything.
Brent had many interests and hobbies that brought him joy. His home always had a library where he shared his love of learning and thousands of books with his children.
A celebration and summary recounting of his life will be held on Monday November 13th at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Greenwood at 11:00 am est.
In lieu of flowers, his son kindly requests that donations be made to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at https://www.thehotline.org/donate. Brent suffered from violent physical and emotional abuse at home for over 20 years. Despite his sunny disposition, he often looked for resources and help unavailable to men at that time. He would be grateful for these contributions and increased awareness on the rare and little known matter of battered men.