John L. Smith, 69 of Fort Wayne, Indiana, formerly from Des Moines, Iowa passed away May 4, 2009 at his home with his wife by his side. Visitation at the Covington Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, Indiana will be Friday, May 8th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm and Saturday, May 9th from 10:00am - 12:00 noon. Visitation at Hamilton Funeral Home SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa will be Wednesday, May 13th from 11:00am - 1:00pm with funeral services at 1:00pm followed by a graveside service at the Masonic Cemetery.
John was born September 28, 1939 in Des Moines and spent most of his childhood in Iowa. After high school John joined the army serving a lot of his time in Germany. Upon returning home he began working at AT&T in Des Moines, retiring after 30 years of service. Retirement did not suit him and John began working part time at the Des Moines Public Library and teaching computer skills to students at Park Avenue Elementary School. After moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana John began working with special needs children and oversaw the publication of the Summit Middle School Yearbook and later was an instructional assistant.
In his early years John played for a couple of local semi-professional football teams before joining the Boston Patriots. He was a Native American anthropologist and a meticulous researcher and historian authoring several books. Through the years he developed an extensive library of more than a thousand books to support his research and interests. He was adopted by the Oglala Lakota Tribe for his work among the Lakota at the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations of South Dakota and given the name Lone-Man-Walking. John also learned the skill of leather beadwork and shared his beautiful work with many lucky friends. He was loved by many and considered by all to be a gentleman in every sense of the word.
He is survived by his wife Charlene (Charlie), his children Bill, Diana, Jennifer and Jessie; his brother Don, sisters Joanne and Linda; grandchildren Shaunna and Max. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy and his brother Bob.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.



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