Eugene Smith

Rev. Eugene Smith 82, Indianapolis, Pastor Emeritus of Christ's Open Door Baptist Church, died April 8. An Indianapolis native, he accepted Christ as his Savior as a youngster at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. After a stint in the Army during World War II, he worked 30 years at Chrysler Corp.'s Shadeland plant, retiring in 1985. He began his ministry in 1961 at Mount Carmel, but soon moved to Baptist Bible Fellowship, which became Blessed Hope Baptist Church. He served as Associate Minister there for 14 years before starting his own fellowship on Christmas Day 1977. That ministry grew into Christ's Open Door Baptist Church. He retired as the church's pastor in December, 2003, but continued a nursing home ministry at Spring Mill Meadows until recently. Services will be at Noon Monday, April 12, at Christ's Open Door, 2001 Pleasant Run Pkwy, S. Dr., with calling from 10 a.m. to Noon. Survivors: wife, Norma M. Fields Smith; sons, Rev. Eugene W. (Leanett) Smith, Rev. R. Drew (Rev. Angelique Walker) Smith; daughter, Robin L. Smith (Mark) Nichols; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Arrangements: Crown Hill Funeral Home.