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Edward Ironsmith Obituary
SHREVEPORT, LA - Masonic services honoring the life of Edward Michael Ironsmith, III will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Rose-Neath Marshall Street Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Tom Brown.
A graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Noonday Cemetery near Tyler, TX with military honors. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with Eastern Star rites.
Edward was born March 16, 1940 in Kansas City, KS and passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at Christus Schumpert Health System. He was a retired Major in the U.S. Air Force. After his military career, he retired from Caddo Magnet High School after 25 years of devoted service. Edward was a 33rd Degree Mason, a member of Hap Arnold Lodge #457, Booth Lodge #380, Sojourners #275, Scottish Rites, York Rite, Knights Templar, El Karubah Shrine, and the Order of the Eastern Star Broadmoor #233.
His parents, Edward Michael Ironsmith, Jr. and Frances Bryant Ironsmith, preceded Edward in death. He leaves beautiful memories to share for his wife of 30 years, Alva Shelton Ironsmith; sons, Edward Michael Ironsmith, IV and wife, Jennifer and Eric Matthew Ironsmith and wife, Bobbie; stepchildren, Dr. Michael Lewis and wife, Carol and Sherry Swanner and husband, John; sister, Dr. Marsha Ironsmith and husband, John Lutz; grandchildren, Elanie Ironsmith, Michael Ironsmith, V, Blaise Ironsmith, Parker Lewis, Caroline Barbee, Catherine Lewis, and Sean Swanner; and nephew, Chris Lutz.
Honoring Edward, as pallbearers will be Gary Gribble, Jim Bryson, Larry Renfro, Al Frazier, Roy Delaney, and Phillip Garrett.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Ironsmith
Jonathan Rinaudo
March 9, 2017
I had the pleasure of being one of FE's students. He taught me Chemistry and Physics at Medical Careers. He was tough but when I needed help he was always there. He was one of the most pivotal role models in my life. Thanks Mr. Ironsmith!!!
Burl Thomas
February 7, 2012
so sad he was my high school chemistry teacher he was hard but a fair teacher!!! rip FEsmith
Davell McKay
February 3, 2012
I just found out about Mr. Ironsmith's passing. He was truly a great teacher. God bless you, Mr. Ironsmith, and your family.
J. Michael Nash
February 2, 2012
I had Mr. Ironsmith for three years - Chemistry at Medical Careers Magnet, Environmental Science and Physics at Magnet. He was a great teacher and great friend. I was so sad to hear of his passing. The world has lost a great man.
Samantha Moron
January 27, 2012
I had Mr. Ironsmith my first year at CMHS and my last year there. I always needed extra help with the physics problems and he always took the time to help me through them. He was a wonderful teacher and a very sweet man with an outstanding sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
Mike & Sue Lee
January 26, 2012
To Alva and Family... So sorry to hear of Michael's passing... He was a great man and mason and will live on in the hearts of his many students and Masonic brothers.
Jeff Webb
January 24, 2012
Within an hour of learning about Mr. Ironsmith's passing, several friends and former classmates contacted me to share memories from the days in his classroom. That's only one testament to his legacy and his effect on the lives of his students. To his family: Sincere condolences on your loss, but please take comfort in knowing that he had a lasting impact on both the education and the character of literally hundreds of young adults over his career. We are so lucky to have had him as a teacher and mentor.
Jennifer McElroy
January 24, 2012
Mr. Ironsmith was a great guy. I used to sit in A-Wing with all of my friends and he would be there every morning to say something that would make us laugh even if he had no intention of it being that way. He will be missed greatly. My condolences go to the family. I will be praying for you.
Heather Granger
January 24, 2012
Oh, Mr. Fesmith. How you will be fondly remembered by those plenty of students who came through your classroom. I'll never forget starting every morning for four years with "Good morning Mr. Ironsmith."
"What's good about it?!"
"Everything."
"You're alive aren't ya?"
He was a loving and hilarious man who had a true passion for the children he taught. We all learned so much more than science. I hope the ironsmith family takes comfort in knowing he touched more lives than they could imagine. He was a profound spirit who will be greatly missed!
Gloria Hicks Wilson
January 23, 2012
Ironsmith Family, your loss of mike is felt by so many of us co-workers. The science department and life skills were his majors. Truly, GHWilson, retired librarian
Annisia Osborne
January 21, 2012
"To the Family of Mr. Ironsmith:
Mr. Ironsmith was my Physics teacher at Caddo Magnet High School. The five things I remembered about him was he was always funny, he always wore suspenders, he always called me by my last name "Osborne", he never let me forget the acceleration due to gravity, 9.8 meters per second squared, and he taught me to think and work through all of my challenges. I really appreciate him for preparing me for my first year of college because I didn't struggle as much as others in my science classes due to Mr. Ironsmith's academic and life lessons. Mr. Ironsmith will be greatly missed. May God Bless you with Peace and Comfort during your time of bereavement." Annisia Osborne, Caddo Magnet High School's Class of 2007
Lauren Nolan Holleman
January 21, 2012
i remember him as a teacher that was always hard on us but when no one was looking he was the sweetest and most caring teacher...he wanted us to learn no matter what and i loved his class for that.
Will Broyles
January 21, 2012
The man was a legend. The greatest of his many funny lines was the first day of school he would tell his class... "I hate you all... BUT I hate you all equally". He was obviously a very well loved man. Gods bless.
Kay & Mike Asher
January 20, 2012
May God bless your family, give you strength and peace as you honor your loved one's memory and legacy. Our son, Jeff Asher, Caddo Magnet High, Class of 2000, had high regard for him, as he was his physics teacher. Jeff sends condolences from Los Angeles.
Michael Gusko
January 20, 2012
He was a great teacher, and a good man. Sad to see that he passed away. My family and I are praying for your family.
Jessica Howard
January 20, 2012
Mr. Ironsmith was such an amazing man. He always came off as mean and serious, until you actually got to know him - and realized he was a total goofball with an awesome sense of humor. He was one of the best teachers I ever had - and one of the only teachers at Magnet that EVERYONE knew who he was, feared and respected him, and loved him - whether they had his class or not. He will be greatly missed.
Marietta Cooke
January 20, 2012
A wonderful teacher who was truly dedicated to what he did. My thoughts go out to his family.
Elizabeth Sweeney Wilhelm
January 20, 2012
To Mr. Ironsmith's family,
He was an amazing teacher. I read all the comments from his studens. There is no doubt he will be greatly missed. We all have fond memories of him. I remember Igor (yea, i had Igor thrown at me a few times). We will miss you, Mr. FeSmith!
damara mora
January 20, 2012
He was the greatest teacher to have at magnet. I will never forget his dedication to us.
Ryan Benson
January 20, 2012
I learned a lot from this man, not just about physics, but about life in general. So sad to see him go. We often forget that our teachers are mortal at all. Rest in Peace.
James Avery
January 20, 2012
One of the best there was. Glad I had him as a teacher at CMHS.
Raphael Juniel
January 20, 2012
Such a great and dedicated teacher. I'm sure he was an even more awesome family man. I pray for a spirit of peace within the family.
Katy Cunningham
January 20, 2012
Such a great teacher! I am so sad to hear of this! The family is in my prayers. You will be missed Mr. FeSmith!
Rachel Sayad Sangsura
January 20, 2012
Who doesn't remember this: "Abandon all hope ye who enter here."?
Despite struggling through his physical science class my freshman year, I do have fond memories of Mr. Ironsmith. He was the only one of my high school teachers that came to my senior art exhibit 7 or 8 years after I exited his classroom.
My condolances to his family.
Suzanne Davis Beckman
January 20, 2012
Mr. Ironsmith was a wonderful Physics teacher; he knew how to get down to business and teach the subject in a way that the students understood, yet his interjections of humor and creative ways to keep everyone attentive (hard to forget that flying Igor ball!) always kept the room lively . He was a wonderful man and I am grateful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss.
Lori
January 20, 2012
So sad to hear this. As a former student, I would like his family to know that he touched my life and will be remembered dearly.
Chris Martin
January 20, 2012
Mr. Ironsmith was an excellent teacher and mentor. With his unique style of humor and gifted teaching style, he left a lasting impression on myself and my classmates. We graduated in 2000. When I saw him years later, I made sure to let him know how much we appreciated all he had done for us. He encouraged us all to excel and for that we are truly thankful.
Jennifer Pinkasavage
January 20, 2012
So sad to hear of the passing of this amazing teacher. If only we had more male teachers of his caliber our world would be a better place. His presence at Magnet High was a steady constant in the chaotic lives of many teenagers. He will be greatly missed.
Nick Todaro
January 20, 2012
You will be greatly missed, Mr. FeSmith. Your former students, myself included, all hold you in the highest esteem.
Jim Patterson
January 20, 2012
Mr. Ironsmith was more than great Physics teacher to me. He was very instrumental in helping with advanced science fair projects. He treated you like an adult if you were willing to behave like one. Over the years since high school, memories of his influence have come to mind on many occasions. Anyone who has had him as a teacher, or has been caught in the hall by him with a dress code violation, can easily remember his unique style and jokes. You will be missed, Mr. FeSmith.
CPT Joseph Jureski
January 20, 2012
I always looked up to Mr. Ironsmith. He was never beyond answering our questions in class. His legacy is in all of us who he taught and influenced. He left shoes that can never be filled, and I would not want to try.
Linda Blanchard
January 20, 2012
Alva and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you. Mike touch many aspects of our lives and he will be missed. May God enjoy his daily jokes now as much as we did. Gordon & Linda
Suzanne
January 20, 2012
I cannot forget how he wrote his name as Mr. FeSmith on the board on the first day of class. He was a great guy and great teacher that made learning science fun and fascinating.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
G Waller
January 20, 2012
Mr. Ironsmith taught me more than physics; he taught me about good character. I will never forget that lesson. My prayers are with you in your time of loss.
Carl Michels
January 20, 2012
I took Ironsmith's Physics class against teacher recommendations because I loved his teaching style, and I knew I'd do well in any class taught by him. He was one of my favorite teachers at Magnet and I am truly sad to hear that he's gone.
J Hamilton
January 20, 2012
May you find comfort in knowing that God is with you during this time and always.
Rene Wreyford Davis
January 20, 2012
Alva and family,
Was so sorry to hear about Mike. Mom and dad always enjoyed the time that was spent with you 2. I will keep you and the entire family in my prayers.
Rene' Wreyford Davis
Lara Hanson
January 20, 2012
will miss you Mr. Ironsmith, and your "come here, i gotta tell you something". :D you kept us smiling with your jokes and kept us in line when there were frowns! You had a wonderful gift of teaching us to live each day to the best! God Bless your family and friends. You touched many lives and we will never forget u.
Jimmie Kay Thomas
January 20, 2012
Mr. Ironsmith was a great teacher and colleague. He will be missed greatly. He was an valuable asset to Caddo Magnet High School. Our prayers are with you, his beloved family.
Denisia Hammond
January 20, 2012
I have wonderful memories of sitting in Mr. Ironsmith's physical science class during his first year at CMHS, my ninth grade year, and in his physics class during my last year as a senior. I remember some of the stories he used to tell us! He always managed to impart some wisdom regularly and still get our lessons in. So to Mr. Ironsmith's friends and family, I offer you my deepest condolences. I am a finer person because of him.
January 20, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with the family. Willis L. & Catherine Hawkins
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
January 20, 2012
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Edward Michael Ironsmith, III our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Edward. And to Edward it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Vietnam War while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Edward, you are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,307 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Edward's family and loved ones.
Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
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