Christopher Aldric Smith

Christopher Aldric Smith died suddenly July 16th after suffering a stroke. He was born November 4, 1946 in Quincy Massachusetts to Ruth Chenoweth Smith and Aldric Smith. He was 78. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1964 and Purdue University in 1969.

He served on active duty in the United States Coast Guard from June of 1969 until August of 1971, followed by many years of reserve service, reaching the rank of Lieutenant. Upon release from the service, he attended Indiana University Indianapolis School of Law and graduated in May of 1974. He worked as a deputy prosecutor in Marion County and later practiced law with Robert Hagemier and David Allen for over thirty years.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda Evard Smith, his son Maxwell Christopher Smith, daughter in law Angela Florio Smith, two grandchildren Jasmine and Raj, and a sister Priscilla Smith. He is also survived by dozens of siblings-in-laws, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces.

Chris was a member of Lawyers Club, Inns of Court, Literary Club, Weimer Discussion Group and past president of the Indianapolis Civil war Roundtable. Chris deeply believed that clients should be the focus of legal practice and that effective client counseling was the most critical skill in the legal profession. This tenant was central to his practice, and he loved passing this craft on to new attorneys by judging the annual Attorney Cient Counseling Competition at the Indiana University Indianapolis Law School. In 2007 he received the Presidential Citation from the Indiana State Bar Association in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession.

A Renaissance man, he enjoyed playing bridge, listening to classical music, reading, walking and pampering his Welsh Springer Spaniel dogs, a breed he happily shared his life with for 35 years. He read widely and deeply especially enjoying books on history and religion. The Civil War remained a major area of interest throughout his life, particularly biographies on President Lincoln. His love of learning was matched only by his love of sharing his knowledge, and he freely and frequently passed on stories, facts, and insights from his studies. He also loved playing tennis, cooking, and cheering on the Boilers, Colts and Pacers.

Mentoring young people brought Chris tremendous joy. Whether guiding interns, new lawyers, or players on the youth baseball teams he coached, Chris loved helping people reach their full potential, often through a unique combination of logic, humorous observations, and a catalogue of anecdotes and wisdom from his vast readings. His nurturing presence will be missed by the many lives he touched.

Private family services will be held at a later time. Online condolences may be made at Indiana Funeral Care. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at www.indianapolissymphony.org or Faith Church at www.faithchurchindy.com.