Leroy Smith

LEROY SMITH, 90, of Tuscola, IL, formerly of Arcola, IL, passed away at 9:33 P.M., Friday, August 22, 2008 at his residence in Tuscola, IL.

Leroy was born March 18, 1918 in New Boston, OH. He was a son of Harry Marcus and Bertha (Williams) Smith. He married Marsha Mitchell February 16, 1975 in Farmland, IN.

Survivors include his wife Marsha Smith of Tuscola, IL; one son Michael Smith and his wife Kristina of Tuscola, IL; two stepsons, Larry Schlenker and his wife Brenda of Bluffton, IN and Rex Schlenker; four grandchildren Blake, Bailey, Austin and Cory Smith; three step-grandchildren, Vickie, Lisa and Branon Schlenker; two nephews, David and Rick and three nieces, Coleen, Cammie and Nita

His parents; two brothers; and four sisters preceded him in death.

Leroy was a Navy Veteran of WWII. He worked for Marhoefer Packing Corp. in Muncie IN for several years and later for the Police Force in Muncie, IN. He moved to Arcola in 1978 where he served on the Arcola Police Auxiliary and worked at the Thomas Monahan Company until his retirement in 1986.

Leroy enjoyed music. He started playing the Bass-Fiddle at the age of fifteen. He played with his dad in Ohio at several events. Later he played professionally in bands such as the Miscellaneous Three, River Boat Rascals and Roxie and the Live Jive. Leroy played all over the United States. From the Spirit of Peoria river boat to Las Vegas, from Florida to Virginia Beech, he even played the Broomcorn Festival’s Beer Tent for 25 years. Leroy also had a passion for Arcola Purple Rider Football, he was a big fan.