Lewis LeRoy Smith, age 85, of Baxter, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Essentia-St. Joseph’s Medical Center and in the care of his family. He was determined to share his faith with others and did so until he no longer had energy to speak. A born salesman, preacher, and teacher he was never without a story: The gospel of Jesus Christ was the story he loved best. He was a former member of both Heritage and Crosby Assemblies of God and currently attended First Baptist in Brainerd. After years in auto sales, he owned and operated the former Lewie’s RV Center on Hwy 371 until his retirement in 2001.
Lewis was born in South Sioux City, Nebraska on October 5, 1932 to Andrew & Opal (Archer) Smith. He served his county in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
Lewis married Evelyn Rothwell September 1955 and together they had six daughters. Evelyn passed away October of 2009. He is also preceded in death by his parents.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Beverly Torgerson; his six daughters, Teresa (Chuck) Giese of Brainerd, Marcia (Jeff) Jones of St. Paul, Sandra Rothleutner of Brainerd, Julia (Mitch) Taggart of Ellendale, ND, Andria (Brent) Rivers of Brainerd, Ginger (Loren) Bailey of Alexandria and stepdaughter, Debra Torgerson of Hot Springs, AR: brother, David (Carole) Smith of Junction City, OR and sister, Lois Brimblecom of Silverton, OR: 19 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Funeral services are Friday, February 16, 2018 at 11AM at First Baptist Church in Baxter with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Additionally, there will be a visitation Thursday, February 15, 2018 from 4-7PM at First Baptist Church. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens cemetery in Brainerd at 2PM following a luncheon the day of service for anyone wishing to attend.
He and Evelyn shared a passion for missions and demonstrated that through hands on experience and giving. In lieu of flowers and to honor this calling, please make memorials to:
Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, c/o First Baptist Church, 7398 Fairview Rd, Baxter MN 56425
Caring for Lewis and the Smith Family:
Halvorson Johnson Funeral Home
Brainerd Chapel 218-829-3581
www.halvorson-johnson.com