Obituary of Leo J. Smith
Leo J. Smith, age 92, of Channahon, IL passed away late Wednesday evening, August 30, 2023, of natural causes during the splendor of a magnificent Sturgeon Full Moon.
Born March 6, 1931 to the late Anna (nee Gillan) and Raymond Smith of Channahon, IL.
Beloved father of daughters Roxanne (Rene “Skip”) Lanoue, Benita Schilling, and son Leo C. Smith; devoted grandfather of Matthew (Liz) Lanoue, Aimee (Aaron) Krall-Lanoue, Jonathan Schilling, Rachel (Justin) Osborne, Jael (Kasey) Smith; proud great-grandfather of Paige Lanoue, Graham Krall-Lanoue, Rene Krall-Lanoue, Lyric Smith, Ledger Smith, Asher Smith, Adeline Osborne, Nick Stablein, and Mary Stablein; beloved brother of Vern Smith, and Donald Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Dorothy Cook, and one brother Robert Smith.
Leo was a kind, loving, wise, and devoted man who loved his family above all things. He attended Minooka High School and was a member of the early 1950s Merchant Marines based out of the Great Lakes. He was one of the first volunteer firemen for the Village of Channahon. Leo retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with 30 years of service, which included serving as a survey boat pilot on the Great Lakes during the 1970s war against pollution.
Leo married Carol Todd on February 1, 1952, after she accepted his offer to purchase either a high school class ring or an engagement ring for her. She chose the engagement ring and they remained a loving, dedicated, and devoted couple for nearly 70 years until her death on December 29, 2021. During their long marriage, they spent their retirement years in Florida for the winter and their summers in Minnesota until neither could continue to make the journey. Leo will be remembered as a man who could make or repair anything and a man who would give anything he had if it was needed by someone else. He was a hunter in the early years of their marriage, who fed his family; sometimes with things no one knew could be eaten by man. And if it was too young when found in the woods, it became a family pet. He was known as a man who built two homes from nothing by the age of 24 with a wife and 3 children, without owing a penny on either his entire life. We have lost our incredible father.
A world of thanks to Centered Care Hospice for the outstanding care, comfort, and endless communication they provided by a selfless staff including Carmelita, Ashley, Luso, Cristine, and Ken. We could not have gotten through this without their support.
As it is Leo’s wish cremation rites will be accorded and services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to a charity of your choice.
For information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
