LeRoy E. Smith (Lee) retired to the Great Heavenly Lake on March 21, 2023, at 8:20 p.m. at Mercy McCune-Brooks Hospital, Carthage, MO. With his yellow fishing rod in hand, the Lord welcomed him at the gates of Heaven.
LeRoy was born June 5, 1946, in Austin, MN to Roy A. and Maybel (Foster) Smith. He graduated from Austin High School in 1965. He was drafted into the Army at 18 and spent most of his military term in Thailand.
After the Army, He moved to Carthage, MO and worked for branch one – Leggett and Platt, Inc. for 35 years, retiring in 2012. He had a passion for fishing and would spend as much time fishing as he could. He also loved camping and, in later years, putting puzzles together and playing card games with family.
LeRoy is survived by his wife, Jean M. Smith (Bero) of Carthage; three children, Karen J. Shields (Joe), Carrabelle, FL, Jill McCully, Girard, KS, and Jeffrey A. Smith (Sharon), Carthage, MO; one brother, Allen Smith, Austin, MN; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy A. and Maybel Smith, Eagle Rock, MO; one son, Rodney E. Smith; one sister, Doris Frandle, Austin, MN; and one brother, Daniel F. Smith, Carthage, MO.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, MO. Visitation will be held Friday, March 31, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Burial at Park Cemetery in Carthage, MO. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at the VFW Post 2590, following the graveside services. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
Those wishing to honor his memory may send flowers to Ulmer Funeral Home or make donations in his name to Missouri Conservation in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.
Online Condolences can be made at www.ulmerfh.com.
