Professor Emeritus of Educational Ministry Ed Smyth died at his home in Lexington, Kentucky, on March 9, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Ed came to SPU in 1976 and taught educational ministry (Christian education) until 1985, and then again from 2000 to 2016, when he retired. He was the director of Church Relations at SPU from 1985 to 1992 and served in ministry positions outside of SPU from 1992 to 2000.
During his 32 years of faithful service at SPU, Ed led 29 yearlong student discipleship groups at his home every Thursday evening. Ed was the 2003 Professor of the Year and was twice asked to be the baccalaureate speaker at Commencement. "All of us who had the privilege of knowing Ed recognized him as a cheerful, kind person who, above all, wanted everyone to experience the love of Jesus," says Doug Strong, Paul T. Walls Professor of Wesleyan Studies and the History of Christianity.
Ed is survived by his wife, Ellen, his four children, David, Melanie, Josh, and BJ, and several grandchildren. A funeral service will be held in Lexington and then a Service of Celebration for Ed's life will be held in Seattle sometime later in the spring or summer.
Posted: Tuesday, March 19, 2024