Lepoy Smith Sr.

LEROY M. SMITH SR.

Fairfield

On the evening of May 18, 2020, Leroy M. Smith Sr., 84, died peacefully at home comforted by his wife after a hard-fought battle with COPD and congestive heart failure. Leroy will be cremated and, at his request, a celebration

of his life will occur in the coming weeks/months at Jefferson County Park.

Leroy was born April 26, 1936, in Fairfield, Iowa. He was the fourth child of Leroy W. and Jaqueline Smith (Renfrow). A lifelong resident of Fairfield, Leroy was a fixture in the community and was well known for his hauling business and vintage Chevy dump truck. Leroy had an amazing work ethic, learned from his father, and he often outworked others half his age. In addition to his hauling duties, Leroy worked at the Iowa Malleable Iron Works for 36 years, the Dexter Co. for 10 years, and retired from the Fairfield Aluminum Casting Company (FALCO) after 15 years.

A boxer in his youth, Leroy was the Iowa Golden Gloves Champion in 1964-65. His love for sports and athletics continued throughout his life, and he was an avid fan of NFL football and his beloved Chicago Bears.

Above all else, Leroy cherished his family friends. His role as son, husband, father and grandfather was the greatest achievement of his life. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and often shared with others his pride in their accomplishments. Leroy had no strangers in his life. Everyone in town knew him and he never missed an opportunity to stop and shoot the breeze.

Leroy is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sheila "Shey" Smith (Parcell); former wife, Velma Smith, Burlington, Iowa; sons, Marty (Jeff), Alexandria, Va., and Jeff (Rowena), Austin, Texas; and daughter, Charity, Des Moines; stepchildren, Chuck Hoekstra, Fairfield, Nikki (Dave) Miller, Iowa City, Eric Hoekstra, Lisbon, and Melody (Joe) Hird, Libertyville; family friend, Michael Clever, Fairfield; daughter-in-law, Sarah (Terrence) Manning, West Burlington; and cousins.

His grandchildren include, Jordan (Tessa) Smith, Omaha, Neb., Stacia Smith, Burlington, Charlie and Grace Miller, Iowa City, Ethan and Kyler Hoekstra, Lisbon, Brandon (Shelby) Ford and Bailey Hird; and three great-grandchildren, Jazlyn Smith and Ryan and Luna Ford.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty Benjamin, Marilyn Marshall and Joyce Watson; son, Leroy M. Smith Jr.; daughter, Denise (Jamie) Pearson; former wife, Connie Smith; infant son, Isaac Smith; and stepson, Nick Sams.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the incredible nurses at Compassus Hospice for their care and compassion during Mr. Smith's illness.

Memorials can be sent to the family home at 504 N. Main, Fairfield, IA 52556. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.behnerfh.com.