Leonard Charles Smith

With a journey that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Leonard Smith lived a life of purpose great love. He was a loving and devoted family man who was filled with unspeakable joy to witness his family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones who made him so very proud. Leonard had an adventurous spirit and wasn’t afraid to do things his own way. Life will never be the same without Leonard here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the trials Americans faced were widespread due to the Great Depression. Jobs were hard to come by, which sent the unemployment rate soaring to over 25 percent, and the challenges we faced were only intensified with a crippling drought that covered our nation’s heartland for nearly two years during this time. This was also a time of great anticipation in the lives of Edwin and Fayma (Hart) Smith as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their third baby as October dawned in Monroeville, Indiana, in 1935. The big day finally arrived on October 22nd when the baby boy named Leonard Charles drew his first breath. He was one of ten children and the oldest son. His siblings, which included Dorothy, Neil, Fay, Rosie, Jo Ann, Phil, Jack, Larry, and Donald shared many happy times growing up on the family farm. Leonard’s father worked as a farmer while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home taking care of the children and making meals for those working in the fields.

In many ways Leonard was a typical young boy of his generation. While growing up he loved hunting, trapping and started collecting guns at an early age. He was known to sneak out of the house at night to check his traps. Leonard attended school in Monroeville. As a young, married man he became interested in racing cars at Baer Field Speedway in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was still doing this in the 1950s and 1960s.

Leonard also raced dirt bikes and motorcycles at the old sugar beet plant in Paulding.

New and exciting changes were in store for Leonard when he met the young

woman of his dreams. Her name was Delores M. Franklin, and they met when

she was visiting a cousin who also happened to be a friend of Leonard’s. It has been said that she knew he was “the one” right from the start, and she ended up being right. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Leonard and Delores were married on August 13, 1955, at

St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne. Together they welcomed six

children including Deborah, Diana, Robert, Jean, Jana and Susan into their hearts and home. To support his family, Leonard worked as a lead/set-up man at Zollner Corp. for 41 years and helped his Dad with farming.

Throughout his life Leonard was a man of many interests. For many years he continued racing, and interestingly he never even told his wife he was the driver when he first started. Delores actually found out later! They loved going to casinos in Michigan and were quite lucky at the slot machines. Annual family vacations included going to Cedar Point when the kids where still home and trips to Virginia Beach. Camping was also a favorite pastime, and he often took the motorcycles. A lover of NASCAR, Leonard was an avid fan of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. When they were first married, he and his wife went to his parent’s home for fried chicken on Sundays, often watching basketball and sharing stories with his Dad and brothers. Leonard loved woodworking, and over the years made his grandchildren cabinets and toys. His love of collecting guns was passed down to all his children. For years he was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Payne, Ohio. A true outdoorsman, Leonard enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening as well. A strong Democrat, Leonard loved keeping up with politics and debating current issues.

Loving, giving, and compassionate, Leonard Smith was an extraordinary man to know and love. He could be a bit strong willed at times, but it was only when it came to things he was passionate about. Smart and hardworking, Leonard was a true inspiration. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Leonard Charles Smith, of Payne, OH, went to be with his Lord and Savior

on Jan. 18, 2018. Leonard’s family includes his wife, Delores;

daughters, Deborah (Mike) Hunter, Susan (Jeff) Hamrick of Payne, Diana

(Tom) Frecker, Jana (Dennis) Ruff of New Haven, and Jean (Gerry) Bakle

of Paulding; son, Robert (Ardis) Smith of Woodburn; sisters, Fay (Max)

Meyers & Rosie Richards of Monroeville, Jo Ann (Clyde) Tinnel of

Decatur; brothers, Phil (Cheryl) Smith, Jack (Nancy) Smith of Fort

Wayne, IN, Larry (Carol) Smith of New Haven, and Donald Smith of Convoy;

13 grandchildren & 21 great-grandchildren. Leonard was preceded in death

by his parents, Edwin J & Fayma O Smith; sister, Dorothy Baker; brother,

Neil Smith, and grandson, Eric Bakle.

Leonard's Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, Jan. 23rd, 2018, 10 am Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 203 W. Townline, Payne.

His viewing is Tuesday, 9-9:30 am & Monday, 2-4 & 6-7:30 pm with a Rosary recited at 7:30 pm at Dooley Funeral Home, 5761 SR 500, Payne.

He will be laid to rest in St John the Baptist catholic Cemetery, Payne.

Memorials are to Divine Mercy Church or American Heart Association.

Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

Leonard Charles Smith 82 of Payne, OH, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Jan. 18, 2018. 

He was born in Monroeville, IN on Oct. 22, 1935.  He was the eldest son of the late Edwin and Fayma (Hart) Smith.  He attended school in Monroeville, IN & married Delores Franklin on August 13, 1955 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fort Wayne.  He was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Payne, OH.  He worked at Zollner Corp. as a Lead/Set-Up man for 41 yrs.  He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, gardening and Nascar races.  He was a loving, caring husband, father & grandfather. 

Leonard is survived by his wife Delores, daughters Deborah (Mike) Hunter, Susan (Jeff) Hamrick of Payne, Diana (Tom) Frecker and Jana (Dennis) Ruff of New Haven and Jean (Gerry) Bakle of Paulding & son Robert (Ardis) Smith of Woodburn.  Also surviving are his sisters: Fay (Max) Meyers & Rosie Richards of Monroeville, Jo Ann (Clyde) Tinnel of Decatur; brothers Phil (Cheryl) Smith, Jack (Nancy) Smith of Fort Wayne, IN,  Larry (Carol) Smith of New Haven & Donald Smith of Convoy.  Leonard is also survived by 13 grandchildren & 21 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin J & Fayma O Smith; sister Dorothy Baker; brother Neil Smith & grandson, Eric Bakle.

Funeral mass is Tuesday, Jan. 23rd, 10 am Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 203 W. Townline, Payne.

Viewing is Tuesday, 9-9:30 am & Monday, 2-4 & 6-7:30 pm with a Rosary recited at 7:30 pm at Dooley Funeral Home, 5761 SR 500, Payne.

He will be laid to rest in St John the Baptist catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are to Divine Mercy Church or American Heart Association.

Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com