Eldon Robert Smith Jr.'s Obituary
CHAPLAIN (LT COL) ELDON R. SMITH, JR., USAF, RETIRED CALLED HOME TO GLORY
Retired United States Air Force Chaplain and United Methodist Minister, Lieutenant Colonel Eldon Robert Smith, Jr., a dedicated servant of God and his country, distinguished by his gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and devotion, was called home to Heaven on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the age of 98 .
Born on August 20, 1927, Eldon's life was a testament to his guiding principle: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all you need He will provide” (Matthew 6:33).
Born in Indiana, Eldon often shared the unique story of his name. In 1927, his mother requested the name "Eldon Junior" for his birth certificate, but the attending doctor presumed she meant to name him after his father, recording it instead as "Eldon Robert Smith Jr.". He was affectionately called "Junior" until he reached high school.
Eldon first met his wife-to-be, Norma Jean Gilland, while escorting young adults to the Victory Center. She was a petite, talented woman who worked as a bookkeeper and switchboard operator, served as organist at Main Street Methodist Church, and quickly captured his heart. Within five months of their meeting, Eldon proposed to her on Valentine’s Day 1949, presenting her with a diamond ring purchased in Lexington. Norma accepted, confident in both her love for him and her faith in God, despite knowing military chaplaincy could take them anywhere. The two were married in 1950, in the Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church in New Albany, Indiana.
His military journey began shortly after World War II in 1945, when he was drafted into the Army of the United States, choosing a three-year enlistment in the Army Air Corps. Early in his career, he served as a cryptographer and public information specialist. Following that initial stint in the military he decided to attend college, where he eventually felt called by God to enter ministry as a Chaplain.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, and a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon his graduation, his wife, Norma, was honored with a "Mistress of Patience for Putting Hubby Through" degree – a sweet story of their shared life that Eldon was fond of sharing. During his time at Emory, he was also a co-founding and organizing pastor of the Aldersgate Methodist Church in Atlanta, a ministry start that he guided with great vision and faith. Feeling a calling to pastoral ministry, he attended college and seminary, which was followed by a period of ministry in southern Indiana.
During his time as a pastor before entering the chaplaincy, his ministry included serving 12 congregations across southern Indiana. He was known in every pulpit for warm sermons and heartfelt counseling, and for his unwavering commitment to Christian service.
He was then commissioned into the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps in 1959, where he provided, as he once wrote, “pastoral care ministry and counseling to those of faith and those of no faith," seeking to be both a chaplain and a friend.
Chaplain Smith’s career was defined by his commitment to service. After retirement from the Air Force, he continued in local ministry by serving more Southern Indiana congregations until his retirement in 1993 at Park Place United Methodist Church in Jeffersonville, IN. After retirement, he and Norma moved to Louisville and faithfully attended and served at Buechel United Methodist Church.
In July 2019, Eldon excitedly moved to Millersville, Maryland, where he spent the last six plus years making great memories with his beloved family, who deeply miss his infectious joy, beautiful prayer life, advice and most of all, his love.
Eldon will be remembered for his steadfast faith, gentle and infectious humor, and humility, having touched the lives of countless Airmen and parishioners alike. He has now received the ultimate reward, resting in the heavenly home he always preached about.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma. Their marriage was a profound partnership in ministry and love of family over more than sixty years.
Eldon is survived by his son, Lt Col Eldon "Rob" Robert Smith III (USAF, Ret.), “daughter-in-love” Lorine Smith, deeply cherished granddaughters Jessica Smith and Christina Smith, and several nephews, nieces and cousins.
The Memorial Service for Eldon will be at Beuchel UMC; 2817 Hikes Lane, Louisville, KY on Saturday, November 8 at 11am. He will be buried with Norma at Arlington National Cemetery, also at a date to be announced.
Memorial contributions, in Eldon’s memory, may be made to Asbury University (https://engage.asbury.edu/register/give-online) or to the American Bible Society (https://www.americanbible.org/ways-to-give/).
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