We are saddened to learn of the death of retired GCI pastor Leslie “Les” Schmedes on April 20 from congestive heart failure.
Leslie Alva Schmedes, of Azusa, California, was born December 1, 1931 in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Les became a member of the Worldwide Church of God in 1964 along with his wife Darlene. He began serving the church as a deacon in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1968, Les was ordained an elder and he and his family were assigned to the Chicago Southside church where he trained under Harold Jackson. From there, Les and his family went on to pastor congregations in New York, Ohio and California.
Les leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Darlene; his sons Keith and Kent; and his daughter Audrey. Les was preceded in death by his son, Kevin. His legacy lives on through five grandchildren (four survive) and three great grandchildren. Please pray for Darlene and the whole family.
Cards may be sent to:
Darlene Schmedes 840 E Foothill Blvd Space 82 Azusa, CA 91702-2607
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Darlene and your family at this sad time. We have very fond memories of visiting with you and Les while you lived in Altadena. Wendy also found it very encouraging working for Les with the Sabbath school program. He was always encouraging and always willing to listen to the problems, thoughts and ideas of others. We are so pleased that we got to see him again last month when we visited the Eagle Rock congregation. The big hug and smile he gave us then will remain with us for a long time and until we meet again. Thank you for being a loving part of our family. With love always…. B&W
Darlene,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Schmedes death. While Mr. Schmedes and you were pastoring the Cincinnati West church
I would visit my friend Carrie Dykes(she died 4 years ago
at 96)at your service. Carrie greatly appreciated both of you.
Les was one of the very greatest men I ever had the pleasure of working with. He was my “Boss” but he never let me call him Boss. In his gentle giant way he told me, “No No No, Jim ~ we’re partners!” I loved him and still love Darlene and Audrey. Les and Darlene were a team who were loved by all in the Pasadena area. He provided loving leadership with compassion and concern for everyone else’s needs. Grace and I always enjoyed being with Les & Darlene. He didn’t do things HIS way. He did things GOD’s way!
I am very sorry to hear about the passing away of Mr. Schmedes. Although I did not know him personally I did attend Ambassador College with his delightful daughter Audrey. Our prayers are with the entire family.
In Christ,
Santiago Lange
The Schmedes pastored here in Cincinnati. The folks here have the greatest admiration and love for them.
Les worshipped God alone but loved all. What George Hart said about church members in Cincinnati is true for his friends here in Rochester, NY.
Dear Mrs. Schmedes and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, keep you and your family snuggled in His loving and caring arms during this time of loss and healing.
In Christian Love
Grace Covenant Fellowship
Alabama
I had the privilege of knowing Les in Cincinnati. He was a wonderful man of conviction, love and humility. A truly Godly man who will be missed. Darlene our prayers are with you.
Dear Darlene and family,
We got to know Les and your family when we were in the adjoinging pastorate in New Jersey. His smile, warmth and loving concern touched the hearts and souls of everyone he came in contact with. He was ahead of the time with his new covenant ways. Darlene, you were his pillar of strength and Joyce and we respected your motherly wisdom and nuturing. Surely God’s goodness and mercy have followed him all the days of his life and he lives in the house of the Lord forever.
Love, Richard and Joyce
DEAR MRS.SCHMEDES,
I AM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MR. SCHMEDES OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY. THE LOVE OF JESUE CHRIST WILL KEEP YOU
We are saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Schmedes. His smiles and hugs will be missed. Our love and prayers are with the family.
Love, Donald & Bernice
DEAREST AND PRECIOUS FAMILY. OUR LOVE AND OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME. WE HAVE HAD YOU IN OUR PRAYERS AND WILL CONTINUE. WE KNOW THAT OUR FATHER WILL NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE YOU AND WILL BE WITH YOU ON THIS JOURNEY. THERE ARE NO WORDS BUT WE KNOW GOD WILL GIVE YOU THE COMFORT AND STRENGTH AND FULFILL YOUR EVERY NEED. THANK YOU AND WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU FOLKS HAVE DONE IN FURTHERING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND WE KNOW HE IS NOT UNFAITHFUL TO FORGET YOUR GOOD WORKS.
Mrs Schmedes & Family,
I was sadden to hear of the death of Mr. Schmedes. Growing up I looked up to him as my play Dad. He always shared something uplifting and kind whenever we talked. I still remember back in the day when he tried to teach me how to swim. I felt sorry for him. I never learned, but he gave it his all. 🙂
I feel blessed that I had a chance to see Mr. Schmedes, Mrs. Schemedes and Audrey in California at the Coleman’s home. It had been 30 years since I’ve seen you all. It brought back some good memories and my husband Reggie really enjoyed the time he spent talking to Mr. Schmedes as well!
I want you to know that you have my sincere condolences, love & prayers!
Love you All,
Priscilla (Booker) Woodson
Matthew 11:25-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Dear Mrs. Schmedes & Family,
We still remember how pleasant it was to serve with Mr. Schmedes & family in Pasadena. I especially remember the wonderful blessing of the “Sabbath School” program. I still remember many of his “one-liners” from the messages of his sermons (..”the answer is in your hand”)
Looking forward to our next meeting!
Paul & Leigh Sniffen
We lost a dear friend. We first met Les & Darlene in 1974 when we became members of the Brooklyn-Queens congregation. He was the pastor there until 1981. It was a very sad day when they had to move on to another congregation. The members took on the character of its loving leader and made it a joy to attend services. We stayed in touch all these years because we wanted to, calling each other from New York or California or wherever he pastored. One tends to mourn when a dear friend passes away, but when we look back on our many conversations and interactions the thought that comes most often is gratitude for having known such a great human being, a true servant of Jesus Christ. Our love and condolences go out to Darlene and her family.
John & Nancy Palmeri
Dear Mrs. Schmedes & Family Mr. Schmedes came to pastor the Syracuse congregation just when we really needed him. You both are fondly remembered and loved. We share your loss. Rowland Talbot