After a protracted battle with cancer, Earnest Luther Smith Jr passed away on January 22, 2017 in Colorado Springs, CO at the age of 68. He served his country and community as a veteran in the United States Marine Corps, and was a driven professional as a proud Colorado Springs Firefighter. Earnest was born January 8, 1949 in Enid, Oklahoma to Earnest and Clara Bell Smith and was married to the love of his life Gwendolyn Smith on April 17, 1973 in Colorado Springs, where they raised their two children. Fishing and woodwork were just some of the things he enjoyed doing, as well as traveling. Earnest loved to laugh and enjoy family and friends. He remained dedicated to his work and had a determined drive to fight the illness, remaining brave and iron-willed even throughout his final months. Earnest is predeceased in death by his parents and siblings. Earnest is survived by his wife Gwendolyn, his son Robert Smith, his daughter Nannette Phillips, as well as his nephew, Wilbur Pitts (Kathy), four nieces, Clarica Armstead (Lerry), Yvetta Holmes (Belden), Beverly Boyd, and Yolanda Horsley; a cousin Josephine Bass; six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren along with a host of other family and friends. Earnest will be greatly missed by all. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 29 from 2 PM – 5 PM at Angelus Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 30 at 1:00 PM at Angelus Chapel, 1104 South Circle Drive. The burial will take place Tuesday, January 31 at 1:15 PM at Ft. Logan National Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.angelusfuneraldirectors.com