Leroy Ernest Smith

LeRoy E. Smith, 75, of Walton, died Friday (Nov. 26, 1999) at Newton Medical Center. He was born Sept. 20, 1924, in Ringwood, Okla., to Ben A. and Caroline (Thomas) Smith. He married Evelyn Penner Oct. 8, 1949, at First Mennonite Church in Newton. She survives. He was raised on a farm near Ringwood and attended Helena High School. He served in Civilian Public Service from 1944 to 1946 in California and New Jersey. He moved to Newton in 1947, and had lived in Walton since 1952. He was co-owner of LeEd Tire until 1989. He also was a farmer/stockman/rancher near Walton. He was a member of First Mennonite Church in Newton and was a contact person for the Mennonite Central Committee. He served with Mennonite Disaster Services and was a volunteer for MCC House Against Hunger projects. He was a charter member of the Walton Lion's Club and a member of the country musical group, Country Jamboree. He enjoyed traveling, the mountains, fishing, woodworking and his grandchildren. Other survivors include: three sons, Stanley W. Smith of Olathe, Steven B. Smith of Manhattan and Roger Neufeld Smith of Topeka; two daughters, Barbara S. Claassen of McPherson and Dianne K. Schmidt of Smithville, Ohio; five brothers, John Smith of Colorado Springs, Colo., Ben Smith of Newton, Willie Smith of Dinuba, Calif., Aaron Smith of Burrton and LaVern Smith of Mead; one sister, Lois Flaming of South Haven, Mich.; and 15 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Melvin Smith, Allen Smith and Frank Smith, and one sister, Malinda Veer. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at First Mennonite Church in Newton with Pastors Rusty Bonham and Clarence Rempel officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Gardens of Memory in Newton. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home. Memorials have been established with First Mennonite Church or the Mennonite Central Committee in care of the funeral home.