Howard Lerman Smith (DOWNTOWN)

Howard Lerman Smith passed away peacefully on February 7th at his home surrounded by his family in Colorado Springs at the age of 86 and one day. Born in Athens, Alabama on February 6, 1938, to Glenn Smith and Marjorie Gilbert Smith. Howard lived his younger years between Athens Alabama and Louisville Kentucky. Howard grew up in Louisville, Kentucky where he graduated from Central High School, class of 1956. While in high school, Howard met and married Joan Edith Burgess, together they had six children: Marjorie Diane Smith, Howard Edward Smith, Reginald Keith Smith, Michael Kent Smith, Marla Lynnette Smith and Lisa Joan Smith-Cobb. He married Mona Carlberg, they had one child: Frederick Gentry Howard Smith; He married Helen Gardner, they had one child: Angela Hope Smith. He married Ellen Marshall and gained a bonus son, Sean Marshall. At the time of Howard’s death, he was married to his loving wife, Demetra Shelton for 12 years. Together they shared two canines Tank and Denali. In 1969 Howard was drafted in the US Army and served as a cook. He earned the rank of Sergeant First Class/E-7 and was selected as Kitchen Supervisor. He earned the following decorations and awards: National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Marksman Badge w/M-14 Rifle and .45 Caliber Pistol. He served overseas, one tour in Korea and two consecutive tours in the Republic of Vietnam and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. Howard ended his time in the Army at Ft Carson CO honorably and remained in Colorado Springs, a place he loved and was so happy to call home. His entrepreneurship began in the early 70s when he took a leap of faith and founded Chef’s Table initially and then Howard’s Backyard Pit Bar-B-Que in Old Colorado Springs where he delivered the same basics: good food, good service and dependable consistency at two locations over time. He served the finest barbecue in southern Colorado-ribs, beef, chicken, and hot links. From small dinners to events with many thousands of attendees, including the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Race to the Clouds, Air Force Academy Graduations, Army/Air Force football games, Sky Sox Baseball Team, Sturgis 50 th Anniversary Motorcycle Rally, Veteran’s Administration, Little Britches Rodeo, Focus on the Family, various Colorado campgrounds, weddings, receptions, private parties, and the homeless community, Howard’s catering services were also extended to distinguished guests such as Princess Margaret, Texas Rangers, President Bill Clinton, and legendary singer Ray Charles to name a few. Howard’s BBQ was a well-known and loved staple in the community for over 5 decades. Howard accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Greater Salem Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. Later he joined Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, CO where he served as an ordained Deacon. He was a devoted member and served on the Trustee Board, and Chairman of the Deacon Board. He loved his church family and community. He led the beautification project for the front and rear parking areas of the church and also prepared meals for special events. He loved working with the Youth Ministry and supported them financially and sponsored them by supplying shirts for youth events. Howard was a Free & Accepted Mason and a member of the Pikes Peak Lodge #5 in Colorado Springs, CO., where he strived to support and uplift his community, assist those in need, and serve as a positive example in his conduct, words, actions, and presence. Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn & Marjorie Smith, his sisters Paula Ray Smith Phelps, Nettie B. Cannon, Alfornia Smith Stewart and Anetta Stillwell; his daughter Marjorie Diane Smith and his son Howard Edward Smith; ex-wives, Joan Edith Burgess Smith and Mona Carlberg Smith. He is survived by his wife Demetra, three sons, Reginal Keith Smith (Melanie) of Louisville, KY, Michael Kent Smith (Shay) of Colorado Springs CO, Frederick Gentry Howard Smith (Anna) of Detroit MI; one step-son Sean Marshall of Denver CO; three daughters, Marla Lynnette Smith of Louisville KY, Lisa Joan Smith Cobb of Swansea IL, Angela Hope Smith of Denver CO; two younger brothers, Norris Wayne Smith and Kenneth Smith, both reside in Louisville KY; five sisters, Willornita Johnson, Lynn Fleming (Zel) and Donna Faye Smith all reside in Louisville KY, Drenda Henry and Glenda Lynch (Avon) both reside in Indianapolis IN, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives.

Howard Lerman Smith (DOWNTOWN)

February 6, 1938 - February 7, 2024