Roger was born to Paul and Hazel Smets in Glendale, CA June 1, 1950. He was the third of three boys, after Jerry and Loren, then older brother of sister, Nancy. The family relocated to Yorba Linda, CA, where Roger grew up, attending Yorba Linda Elementary School, Troy High School, and Fullerton Junior College. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Biola College in 1973, then with a Bachelor of Theology from Life Bible College in 1974. He was ordained as a minister by the Foursquare demnomination in 1980.
As a boy in Yorba Linda, he worked as a golf caddy on the golf course near their home, then as a teenager, he worked in the family print shop, running what were then advanced printing presses. Roger loved photography, music, vacationing, snorkeling in Hawaii and restoring his Dad’s 1965 El Camino. He was very proud to have been chosen to play drums for USC in the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade in 1969. He was a dedicated Elvis fan, attending 19 live concerts.
He grew up attending the Brea Foursquare Church, where he accepted Christ as his Savior and was called to the ministry at the age of 11. He was deeply inspired by Evangelist Billy Graham, even going on the church bus 14 nights in a row to Los Angeles from Orange County to hear him speak. He spent his college years preparing to preach the Gospel. His focus never wavered from his calling. He met his mentor, Professor Dr Paul Hackett at Life Bible College, with whom he worked closely for many years. He also met his wife, Gwen, during his last year there. They were married April 5, 1975 in Vancouver, BC, Canada by Dr. Paul Hackett. Together they began their traveling ministry spanning 47 years, faithfully focussing on evangelism. He liked to say that he was a “bearer of Good News”, dedicated to minister salvation to unbelievers and to bring encouragement and hope to believers in need. His preaching and prayer ministry was inspirational and firmly anchored in the Word of God. During the last weeks of his illness he was still telling people he wasn’t retiring and had a lot left to give.
Now he’s rejoicing with the Lord, singing, dancing, playing his well-worn tambourine and surely the drums along with all the heavenly hosts. Roger is survived by his loving wife, Gwen, his son Duane of San Diego, daughter Heather Bray of Prosper, Texas, son-in-law, Cory Bray, 5 granddaughters, Adina, Skyla, Chloe, Lexianna, and Bella, his 2 brothers, sister, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
If you would like to continue to support Gweneth Smets, wife and partner to Roger Smets Evangelistic Ministries for over 47 years you can donate here. We have a limited number of Roger's preaching CD's and Gwen's "Heartfelt Hymns" piano album. If you'd like one just leave a note along with your address and we'll send one to you.
Memorial Sermon
Memorial Service
Slideshow Tribute