John Vernon Smith

John Vernon Smith, age 93, of Albert Lea, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, December 23, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea; visitation will begin one hour prior. John will be laid to rest at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery of Pickerel Lake. 

John was born to Doyle and Luella Smith in Lexington, Texas on May 13, 1931. He attended high school in the Gause School System in Gause, Texas. He attended Prairie View College and Paul Quinn College where he received a Bachelor’s degree. He later received a Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado. 

John married Elaine Pestorious on November 27, 1968, after having met in the summer recreation programs of the Denver Public Schools. 

John was a teacher and later became an administrator in the Denver Public Schools. He taught elementary school and was a reading specialist. John was a community leader; he served as president of the Far Northeast Neighbors. 

John was an author, he wrote a book entitled “From Tragedy to Triumph”, detailing his life and family. John was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Albert Lea. 

John leaves cherished memories with his wife of 56 years, Elaine Smith, four children, four grandchildren, one sibling, and many family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, and one child. 

John will be missed by his family and all who knew him. 

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