John E. Smith, Phd

John Elvans Smith, Phd, passed away December 17, 2015 in Pueblo, Colorado. John was born September 6, 1929 in Washington DC to Carl and Emily Smith and moved with his parents to Pueblo just before high school where he attended Central High School and Pueblo Junior College. After he received his doctorate in chemistry, he served in the US Navy. He then worked for the Naval Research Laboratories, frequently serving on nuclear submarines. In 1962 he moved his family back to Pueblo to teach chemistry at the local Jr. College. He became department chair and helped shepherd the institution first from a 2 year to a 4 year college and then to a University. While he enjoyed research and published a book on energy conservation, his first love was the classroom and students, and always considered himself primarily a teacher. After his retirement, John enjoyed his many interests, most having to do with American History. He was very active with the Pueblo Historical Society. John was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Eloise R. Smith. His survivors include his children Paul (Dayna) Smith, Christopher (Diana) Smith and Suzanne (Bill) Beurman; 6 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and his longtime companion Cathy Maloney. He will be privately laid to rest next to his wife in the Mountain View Cemetery. John’s life will be celebrated on Monday, Dec 21, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Ascension Episcopal Church, 420 W. 18th Street. A reception will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers contributions in John’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assn or the American Heart Assn through the mortuary. Online condolences at DavisMortuary.com