Pastor Melvin Dean "Mel" Smith, age 85, of Henderson, Iowa, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022, at his home. Mel was born October 26, 1937, near Lamar, Colorado, the son of Joseph and Helen Mae (Hubbard) Smith. He graduated from Lamar High School, started college, and later served in the United States Navy on the USS Hornet for 4 years. Mel was united in marriage to Barbara Daffern on May 31, 1957 in Clayton, New Mexico. They lived in Colorado where Mel worked for Adams Electric then on the oil rigs before starting with Lamar Candy and Tobacco Wholesaler. Mel had a calling and pulled all of his money out of his retirement account and started at Nebraska Christian College in the ministry. During that time, he preached at area churches and worked at Gillette Dairy. He served at Union Chapel Church before moving to Sidney, Iowa for three years. He then served in Eldora, Gravity, and Blockton. While serving Blockton, Mel and Barbara lived in Bedford from 1980-1985 when they moved to Henderson, Iowa. They served Henderson Christian Church for seventeen years retiring in 2002. After retirement, Mel kept preaching at area churches, was a greeter at K Mart, and drove a van for Nishna Valley Schools. In 2006, he served his ministry at Elliott Church of Christ until 2013. Mel was instrumental in starting both "Singspiration" and local baccalaureate services. He spent many hours volunteering at church camps, mostly Camp of the Risen Son, and loved sports, especially wrestling. He also enjoyed camping and traveling.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister: Louise Peetoom; and brothers: Jacky Joe Smith, LeRoy Smith, and Eugene Smith. Survivors include his wife: Barbara Smith of Henderson, IA; children: Anne Marie Huenink of Hastings, IA; Stephen Joe Smith and wife Deb of Bedford, IA; Robin Elaine Smith of Henderson, IA; Elizabeth Dawn Smith of Henderson, IA; and Stephanie Lynne Miller and husband Mike of Council Bluffs, IA; 12 grandchildren: Joscelyn Elizabeth Darling of Santa Clarita, CA; Miranda Wyatt Smith-Huenink of Omaha, NE; Heather Michelle Whipple and husband Rich of Sharpsburg, IA; Jennifer Lynne Brown and husband Josh of Ankeny, IA; Lindsey Marie Smith-McCartney of North Liberty, IA; Jared Scott Smith and wife Heather of Bedford, IA; Dr. Stephen James Smith and wife Lindsey of Papillion, NE; Krystina Lynne Bouchard and husband Ty of Niverville, Manitoba; Zachary Dean Smith and wife Andrea of Treynor, IA; Jessica Elayne Page and husband Jamie of Bedford, IA; Shaunna Marie Ooms and husband Ryan of Janesville, WI; and Brandon James Miller and wife Rachel of Blair, NE; many great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; brother-in-law: Douglas Earl Daffern and wife Ilene of Boise City, OK; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Monday, December 5, 2022, at Henderson Christian Church. Burial will be in the Farm Creek Cemetery at Henderson, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 3 PM until 5 PM, Sunday, December 4, 2022, at Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.