Luther Lynn Smith

Montezuma - Luther Lynn Smith was welcomed by Romie & Mary Wedel Smith on September 19, 1953. Seventy-two years later, on October 15, 2025, he soared heavenward. During his growing up years, home was on a farm 2 miles south of the Homeland Church. School days were completed at Montezuma Elementary School and High School.

In June of 1961, he was hospitalized for Rheumatic Fever which caused a movement disorder that stayed with him for the rest of his life. Despite meeting with various doctors this "thorn in his flesh" remained. I, his wife, loved him and admired the way he was able to accept it and go on with life. When recently diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, the Lord touched him in a special way: "The joy in life is being His child. "Don't be afraid, I am holding you. The way I have for you is a way of peace.

At the age of 13, he was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Albert Unruh. Over the years, as he grew in his Christian life, his relationship with his Heavenly Father became a very special and real part of his life. While living and working in Dodge, the Lord clearly led him to ask for our mother's hand in marriage. On the evening of June 17, 1979, he married Connie Koehn in Greensburg, KS. Our first years of married life were spent in Dodge City and they enjoyed being a part of the mission outreach there. Some of the happiest days of our lives together were the births of our three daughters. June of 1991 found us as a family venturing into the country of Nigeria as missionaries. Five years later "when we left there we were sad for the love and joy we were leaving behind". In December 1997, with mom by his side, he was ordained as minister at Greensburg, KS. It was special to him to be able to serve God and the church in this capacity. The theme of his messages was often based on this thought: "Jesus is the answer to our deepest need." He found much fulfillment in reading his Bible and inspiration in songs; singing was a favorite pastime.

Luther's occupation included office manager and customer service while working for Stanion Wholesale Electric in Dodge City and Pratt, administrator at Bethel Home, and then later took a job at the Aid Plans. The next 20 years were fulfilling for him as he helped members and worked together with his fellow employees. He formed many lasting friendships during these years.

He wasn't a man of many words and was a ready listener. Often in conversation he would insert humor that fit the situation perfectly. Family time was important to him and we enjoyed time together in Mozambique and many trips to the mountains in the summer. When his daughters married, he took his "sons" right into his heart. And it was with great delight he welcomed each grandchild into his family.

The peace and settledness he had for his condition touched the lives of those who cared for him during his stay in Denver. He spoke of feeling that he had completed his life's work. "If the purpose of me coming here was to save one soul, it was worth it." We, as a family, feel he was ready to meet his Maker and has gone before us beckoning us to follow him to that place of eternal rest.

Those left to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Connie; children: Jenny & Brent Koehn and Jessica and Tyler Esau, Montezuma, KS; Cristina and Clark Koehn, Memphis TN; grandchildren; Natalie, Benjamin, Camdyn, Madison, Kaya, Ashlyn, Vanessa, and Jasper. Also surviving are three sisters and one brother. He was proceeded in death by his parents, parents-in-law; four siblings and a grandson, Trey.

Funeral service will be held at Homeland Mennonite Church, Montezuma on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Homeland Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from noon to 5:00 PM . Memorials are suggested to Homeland Christian School or Prairie Winds Christian School in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Luther Lynn Smith, please click here to visit our sympathy store.