Leslie J. Smith

Leslie J. Smith passed away of pulmonary fibrosis December 17, 2008 at his home.

Leslie was born October 16, 1918 in Chicago. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a graduate of Open Bible College and Drake University. He worked at Firestone in Des Moines, then taught school in Clive for three years and then in Clarion from 1957 until his retirement in 1984.

Leslie loved the teaching profession and enjoyed his hobbies of Model Railroading and being the music man for the Heartland Cloggers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie O. and Nellie J. Smith.

Leslie is survived by Opal, his wife of 63 years, and his children JoAnne (Mike) Brown of Springfield, Mo., and Jeffrey (Cynthia) Smith of Clive, grandchildren Michael Brown, Bethany Smith, and Sarah Smith, and great-grandchildren Owen Husted, Autumn Waters, and Fiona Smith.