James "Leo" Smith

Thursday, January 17, 2008

James "Leo" Smith, 82, formerly of Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, at St. John's Medical Center, in Tulsa, Okla., following a short illness. He was born Oct. 23, 1925, in Ottawa, Kan., to Lloyd Caleb Smith and Ida Mac Boyd Smith. He married Marie Elaine Jones on Sept. 9, 1950, in Nevada, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 15, 2004.

Leo was raised in Walker, and attended school there. He served in the United States Army during World War II from 1944 to1947, During his service, he received two bronze stars and at one time, drove a jeep for General Eisenhower. He came home to Vernon County following the service and worked for Merchants Delivery for several years. Later, he went to work for O & B Market where he worked for 28 years, Farm. and Home for 10 years, and Wal-Mart for 15 years until his retirement in December 2004. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, in Nevada, and also a member of the VFW Post No. 1165.

Survivors include one son, James Leo Smith II and his wife, Debbie, Glenpool, Okla.; three grandsons, Josh Smith, Glenpool, Okla., Tony Smith., Glenpool, Okla., and Matt Smith, Windermere, Fla.; one sister, Zepha Dougherty, Nevada, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Elaine, he was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Martha Dougherty, and one brother, Earl Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 18, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada.

Friends may call now and until the hour of service at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhom.com