Leslie D. Smith
June 18, 1916 to Dec. 19, 2013
Leslie D. Smith, 97, was called to his eternal home on December 19, 2013 after an extended illness surrounded by his family. He died at home which was his final wish.
He was born on June 18, 1916 in Madison; Jefferson County, Indiana to John S. and Martha "Daisy" (Stewart) Smith. He was a graduate of North Madison High School class of 1934.
He married Lorraine Harsin on December 25, 1940. They had lived in Anderson since 1941.
Leslie was a U.S> Army Veteran, serving during World War II as Corporal in Company M, 242nd Infantry Regiment 1943-1946. He received two major battle stars, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal and was a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge.
He was a 67 year member of Bethany Christian Church, serving as Deacon and Trustee.
Leslie and Lorraine received the Christian Service Award in 1988 from Bethany for faithful service in the work of the Lord.
Leslie was an avid gardener and homebuilder, having personally built three homes while still employed full time at Delco. He was retired from Delco Remy Model Shop after 34 years. In his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling, spending 25 winters in Florida. He was a devoted son, brother, cousin, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and his love and generosity will be remembered by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 53 years, Lorraine Smith, son Gary L. Smith, brothers, Arthur Smith and Marshall Smith, sister, Dorothy (Smith) O'Bryant.
Survivors include a sister, Colleen Dennis of Arlington, Texas, cousins Robert Sullender and Joe Bailey, both of Anderson; two daughters, Sharon (James) Reed of Carmel and Dianne (Robert) Duffee of Owatonna, MN; daughter-in-law, Judy Smith of Pendleton; four granddaughters, Debra (Bradley) Alto of Minneapolis, MN; Deanna Duffee of Owatonna, MN; Rebecca (Brock) Findlay, Bethany (Shaun) Williams both of Pendleton, two step-granddaughters, Paula (Jerry) Stockton of Noblesville; and Dawn (Mike) Clinton of Fishers, great grandchildren, Hannah and Claire Alto, Eliza, Hunter, Harrison and Harper Findlay, Ella Williams, step-great grandchildren; Meghan (Brendan) Mosey, James (Erin) Stader, Ashley Clinton, Brandon Clinton, Step-great-great grandchildren, Hudsen Mosey, and Rylan Stader. nieces and nephews.
Service will be 11 A.M. on Monday, December 23, 2013 at Bethany Christian Church with Robert D. Bell and Kent Stookey officiating. Visitation from 9:30 A.M until the service at the church. Burial will be at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Larry Kineman, Missionary, in care of Bethany Christian Church; 1920 North Rangeline Road; Anderson, IN 46012-9666.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and aides of St. Vincent Hospice for their compassion and loving care of our Beloved Dad. Thank you to the ministers and care team of Bethany Christian Church. You have been such a blessing to Dad and the family. God bless you all.
Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service handled the arrangements.
Post condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.