Warren L. Smith

Warren Smith, aged 89, passed away at home on October 1, 2026 surrounded by his immediate family of loving wife, son, and daughter.

Warren Leslie Smith was born in Larchmont, New York on July 9, 1937. He and his parents Leslie C. Smith and Grace A. (Arnholt) Smith spent his earliest years in Connecticut and New Jersey. After settling in Larchmont, New York, his mother passed away in 1939 after the birth of his sister, Marilyn Grace. In 1942 Leslie married Dorothy P. (O'Neil) Smith who was instrumental in raising both children.

Warren Smith's family are descendants of Michael Freeman Smith who served as an aide decamp on General George Washington's staff as a member of the New York militia during the American Revolution.

Growing up, two activities characterized Warren's early school years. First, ages 7-15, he was a steadfast member of Boy Scouts of America. Warren earned his Eagle Scout rank (in 3 years) and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. In 1950, he attended the first World Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Secondly, from ages 11-15, he was a paper boy with a large bicycle route in Mamaroneck, NY. During the Korean War he sold the most war bonds on his route earning him a trip to Washington D.C. He was a weeklong guest of the Pentagon as one of twelve boys from across the nation who sold the most bond value. There he enjoyed an in-person personal thank you from both General George C. Marshall of World War Il fame and President Harry Truman!

His father passed away in the summer of his fifteenth year. He had to produce income through a variety of jobs: pharmacy clerk; 2 bag walking golf caddy; marine hardware clerk; lifeguard. At age 18, he graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1955.

Warren attended Alfred University, Alfred, NY. He was able to work his way through college with a combination of on campus employment and summer jobs. On campus, Warren was a large pot washer in the Bartlett Hall Dormatory Kitchen for 4 years earning his university board and keep. In the summer of 1955, he worked on the 1955 Chevy assembly line in Tarrytown, NY. The following summer he was a HIGH steel bridge painter on the Hellgate Railroad Bridge high over the Hellgate waters! Warren was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity serving as chapter president for one year. He graduated with a BA from Business Administration. He later served the university as a member of Alumni Council and Board of Trustees.

He began his business career in New York City in 1960 with American Can. In his business career in New York City and later in Indianapolis he enjoyed being a key member of marketing teams that introduced new products, these included: the first soft drink can; Gatorade; and one of the first successful bank debit cards. His main employment was with American Can Company, Stokely Van Camp and Indiana National Bank. He was an active community volunteer and served on the marketing team that presented the Pan Am Games and National Sports Festival in Indianapolis. He served on a number of social service boards including Indianapolis Day Nursey and the Community Service Council. He was a board member of the original Indianapolis Commission for Downtown. In retirement he was employed by the United Way of Central Indiana, serving as their director for 7 years. In recognition for his contributions to community service, he was awarded The Silver Medal Award by the American Advertising Federation.

When Warren was transferred to Indianapolis in 1963, he met and married Judith A. Gambill. In their married life, they shared a passion for raising their family, following their children's many sporting activities, riding horses and sailing. Judy, quite skilled in both pastimes, was able to refine her husband's abilities at both. She was a teacher for 31 years; thus, Warren was always entertained with the adventures of grammar school life. Judy's brother, William D. Gambill, now deceased, played an integral part in the lives of each of the Smith family members. They were frequent visitors to their beloved Longboat Key, FL condo. For many years, Warren could be found working out at the Monon, or coaching and playing ice hockey. He played to age 48 He was an avid reader and faithfully attended Bible Study Fellowship. The Smiths were riding members of the Trader's Point Hunt Club. They attended Trinity Episcopal Church for a combined 122 years of membership! Warren led two major development campaigns for the church and St. Richards Episcopal School. He was a four-time senior warden. They currently attend St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Carmel and formerly Christ Church of Longboat Key, Florida. They have spent their not so recent years splitting their time at their homes both in Carmel and Longboat Key.

Warren was married to Judith A. (Gambill) Smith for 61 years in a loving partnership throughout their lives together. He is survived by his wife Judy; his two children: Warren Leslie (Lee) Smith, Jr. and daughter, Whitney Anne Vogt. His grandchildren are Shelby Brooke Cluff, William Logan Smith and Evan Gambill Vogt. Warren's sister Marilyn Grace Rawlings Theobald left this life in 2026 after a long illness. He has been comforted by the character and accomplishments of his 2 children and 3 grandchildren! All of whom spent many celebrations around the Smith dining table.