R.I.P. Edwin Ball Smith

Fr. Ed Smith is pictured with diocesan camp director Erin Wolf this past summer. Fr. Ed found found true joy in serving youth of the diocese for many decades.

Prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of the Ven. Edwin Ball Smith who died August 4, 2022. He was 84. He is survived by his wife Joan, and adult children Julie,  Jonathan and Richard.

Smith was an active lay member and cleric of the diocese for nearly five decades. Ordained a deacon in 1983 and a priest in 1996, if you had any involvement in the diocese, you knew Dcn. then Fr. Ed. The list of involvement includes Cursillo, Happening, camp, and most every elected diocesan position and many volunteer ones. He was made and Archdeacon in 1993 and his extensive service to the church was honored as an inaugural recipient of the Bishop's Cross in 1997.

Parochial service included Trinity, Oshkosh, All Saints, Appleton, St. Anne's, De Pere and St. Thomas, Menasha along with service to most every congregation of the diocese as long-term and Sunday supply and leading numerous workshops, consultations and just stopping by. Bishop Matt described him as "an inspiration to generations" who "helped form and strengthen the faith of many" and also was  "a counselor to bishops."

Not to be overlooked is Smith's professional career in serving students at post-secondary institutions. Ed graduated from Carroll College, received a master's degree from Indiana University and Ph.D. from Kent State University. He was Dean of Students at Illinois State University then moved to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh retiring as Assistant Chancellor for Student Affairs in 1996. He was active in the Oshkosh community in many ways as well.

Funeral arrangements are on Tuesday August 16th at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Menasha. Visitation from 4:00-5:30 p.m., Eucharist at 5:30 p.m., and a reception following the service. An obituary may be found here.

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