Benjamin L. Smith

Ben was born in Birmingham, Alabama on September 21, 1924 to John Henry Smith and Katie Lou (Clopton) Smith. The family consisted of six boys with one brother, Johnny Smith, becoming a world famous jazz guitarist. Ben graduated from high school in Portland, Maine and immediately served during WWII in the Navy – patrolling the north Atlantic for enemy submarines. He was an exceptionally skilled craftsman doing carpentry and furniture building. He married Leona Mae Pilkington on May 12, 1953 at Ft. Morgan, CO. He helped build the Air Force Academy, Valli Hi Country Club and many schools and private residences in Colorado Springs. In 1958 he became a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service retiring after 28 years. He taught beginners guitar at Johnny Smith Music for several years, working three jobs – post office, teaching and building their home in Black Forest. After retirement he worked in remodeling – making furniture and cutting trees for firewood, which he enjoyed doing for over 40 years.

He has three daughter, Barbara Newman (Tony), Rebecca Blair (Russ) and Samantha Aiello; 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, one grandchild and one nephew. His favorite hobbies were fishing, hunting and camping as well as arrowhead hunting.

Ben and Leona were members of Village Christian Church since 1959. Much of his carpentry craftsmanship can be seen throughout the VCC building. He was a Deacon, Greeter, Sunday School Board member, Property Chairman and Nursery Attendant. He cherished all the little ones and they loved him, he had such a special way with them. Several asked him to be their “grampa” – some are young adults now! Little Wyatt calls him “My Ben” – it is an amazing relationship between them. His Lord, VCC and church family were so important to him.

His dad raised him up in the Masonic Lodge, Saco, Maine from 1948 on. He was a lifetime member of that lodge. He was also a board member of the Falcon Fire Protection District for 8 years and was a member of the Falcon Senior Service. He also enjoyed having a garden.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at Swan Law on Saturday July 10th, 2021 at 11:00 am. A subsequent inurnment will be taking place on Monday July 12th, 2021 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery at 11:00 am.