Benjamin Lloyd Smith

1924 - 2021

Benjamin Lloyd Smith obituary, 1924-2021, Colorado Springs, CO

BORN

1924

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Benjamin Smith Obituary

BENJAMIN LLOYD SMITH
September 21, 1924
May 4, 2021
On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, Benjamin (Ben) Lloyd Smith, loving husband and father of three children, peacefully entered heaven to be reunited with his "Angel" Leona Smith who preceded him in death.
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.

Published by The Gazette on May 23, 2021.
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Memorial Events
for Benjamin Smith

Jul

10

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Jul

12

Inurnment

11:00 a.m.

Pikes Peak National Cemetery

CO 80903

Funeral services provided by:

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

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