Paul Richard Smith

Paul Richard Smith, born on June 22, 1937, in St. Louis County, MO, transitioned into eternal rest on February 4, 2024, at his home in Kansas City, MO. He was the beloved only child of the late Paul Weston and Mildred Utterback Smith of St. Louis, MO. A Memorial Service to celebrate the life and legacy of Paul will occur on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Second Presbyterian Church, 318 E 55th St, Kansas City, MO 64113. Visitation 12:00–1:00 pm, Service 1:00 pm and Reception afterward. Service will be live-streamed at https://secondpres.org/livestreaming and via the Second Presbyterian YouTube and Facebook page. Paul's journey began during the Great Depression, shaping his deep love for classical music and igniting his passion for learning the violin, piano, and pipe organ. His spiritual calling emerged early, as he devoted himself to serving Southern Baptist churches in St. Louis, blending his musical talents with his love for people. His educational pursuits led him to Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1959 on a full academic scholarship and demonstrated his emerging leadership gift by founding and leading youth camps and college retreats attended by thousands for over a decade. After receiving a Master's in Theology and Biblical Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO, Paul embarked on a transformative journey as co-pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Kansas City in 1963 for nearly five decades. During this time, he met and married Karen Hiserote, with whom he shared the joys of parenthood, raising Elizabeth Ann Smith and Montgomery Weston Smith. Paul's legacy at Broadway Baptist Church is profound change and innovation, marked by his pioneering efforts in small groups, contemporary worship, social justice advocacy, and progressive theology. His influence extended far beyond the walls of his church, as he taught extensively and authored several influential books on theology and spirituality. In 2001, Paul courageously embraced his true identity, coming out to his family and congregation, leading to a divorce from Karen. However, he found love and companionship with Ivan Fenwick, his life partner for over 22 years. Paul's impact reached global proportions in over 25 countries outside of the United States through the Integral Christian Network (ICN), which he co-founded with Luke Healy in 2019 to foster the evolution of Christianity and promote transformative practices worldwide. His children, Elizabeth Ann Smith and Montgomery Weston Smith, preceded Paul in death. Paul leaves his devoted life partner Ivan Fenwick, Kansas City, MO; grandchildren Tyler Smith, Lee's Summit, MO; Dahlby (Jordan) Mullen and Master Elliot Mullen, Olathe, KS; Ryan Smith, Overland Park, KS; former wife Karen Hiserote-Smith, Silva, NC; former daughter-in-law Cindy Barber, Lee's Summit, MO; granddaughter's adopted parents, Thomas "Tom" (Tina Filler) Weidmaier, Kansas City, MO; adopted grandsons U.S. Army Specialist Nicholas (Maxi Jo) Hammler and Master Aleksander Hammler, Jackson Weidmaier, Luke Weidmaier, and Seth Weidmaier of Kansas City, MO; special friends: Broadway Church - Rev. Marcia Fleischman, Rev. David Hunker, and Wanda Heatwole; distinguished friends - Rev. Andrew "Andy" (Nancy) Cullen, Mark Hayes, and Dr. Patricia Searing; Integral Christian Network (ICN), Luke Healy, Co-Founder with Paul R. Smith and wife Heather Healy, ICN Board Members Connie Wilson, Jamie Kim, and David Pinkston; plus a wider circle of cherished friends and colleagues. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, from his fellow congregants at Broadway Baptist Church to the global community of the Integral Christian Network. Paul Richard Smith's love, leadership, and service legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Paul Richard Smith

June 22, 1937 - February 4, 2024