Leonard  Smith

Birth: 9/12/1940

Death: 2/7/2009

Interred: 2/19/2009

Service Information: 
Graveside Service
with full Military Honors
2:45 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 19, 2009
Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent

Interment:
 Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent

Visitation Information:

 

Obituary:

 
Leonard Smith
Leonard Smith, 68, a 30 year resident of Lacey, died February 7, 2009 after a long term illness. He was born September 12, 1940 in Connelsville, Pennsylvania to Mills and Naomi (Smith) Washington. He attended high school in Connelsville. On November 23, 1973 he married Mary Elizabeth Rodgers in Harrisburg PA.

He is a retired Army veteran serving from 1961 – 1981 and received multiple decorations which include; US Army National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Good conduct Medal (6th award), Combat Infantry Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Pathfinder Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

After his military career he worked as a corrections officer for the Washington State Department of Corrections from 1983 – 2000. His interests included needle point, movies, and being with family. Leonard was a member of New life Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Smith; two sons, James Wilson and Leonard A. Smith; four daughters, Janet Elizabeth Wilson, Julie Elaine Scott, Jacqueline Evette Armstrong, and Kimberly Anitha Sorby; two brothers, Richard and Ralph Smith; one sister, Geraldine Smith; also seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 2:45 p.m., Thursday, February 19, 2009 at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent.

To leave condolences online please click "view Guestbook" below.

Guestbook Entries


Date: 6/21/2011 11:24:39 PM
From:
 2nd inLine..julie & hubby Travis
Message: Happy Veterans & almost forgot.. Happy Best father's day! Love you.. now go play with mom. Going on 3yrs of marriage..still trying to make that 65+ years marker!


Date: 4/8/2011 5:15:52 PM
From:
 Julie and Travis Scott
Message: Hey Smitty, Don't you and mom eat too much Birthday Cake. Celebrate with the Angels. Love ya, for always taking care of us and MoM too!


Date: 6/20/2010 10:43:08 PM
From:
 Julie & Travis Scott
Message: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY. You are the best dad yet. God truely knew what the Wilson kids needed. And he PICKED you to love us through you. So let this day be marked in your memories of 'You are an unforgettable DAD!! love youxxoo


Date: 2/19/2009 7:12:13 PM
From:
 Casey (Schmidt) Ritchey
Message: I have great memories growing up next door to Smitty and will always remember what a great man he was. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you all during this time of loss.


Date: 2/19/2009 12:29:02 PM
From:
 Heidi Sapp (Merkl)
Message: I will always remember his generous smile. What a neat man he was. I will always remember him. My condolences to the entire family for your great loss. My thoughts are with all of you.


Date: 2/18/2009 8:47:55 AM
From:
 Jeri and Mike Sheahan
Message: We will always miss and love dear Smitty....it was an honor and privledge to be considered his friends. We'll always treasure our memories of all the great neighborhood fun and laughter, and watching all our kids grow up on our special street. He was THE BEST.


Date: 2/13/2009 8:28:21 PM
From:
 Leonard A. Smith
Message: Dad you were and still are MY HERO i will never forget the lessions you taught me about being a man,father, and husband but most of all a son. In my heart forever I LOVE YOU MY SUPERHERO


Date: 2/12/2009 1:36:15 PM
From:
 Freddie McCoy Sgt. WCC
Message: He was one of the staff that toke me under his wing and show me the ropes of how to survive in corrections. We had some good times together , will be missed dearly.


Date: 2/12/2009 1:08:11 PM
From:
  Sean Sanchez WCC
Message: To the Smith Family: Our thoughts and prayers during your time of loss. It was a pleasure working with Leonard and privalage being able to know him. He was a very Good Man and friend. Respectfully, Sean Sanchez and Family


Date: 2/12/2009 12:41:19 PM
From:
 Milanda Carson
Message: I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss him. I remembering working with him, Officer Dalton and Officer Turner in Cedar Hall and laughing and the dumbest thing we would try pulling on each other. I will never forget that great smile.


Date: 2/12/2009 12:15:09 PM
From:
 Kent Turner
Message: It was a pleasure working working with Leonard, my heart goes out to his familey and friends. And Leonard, Thanks for your service to our country.


Date: 2/12/2009 12:14:57 PM
From:
  Doyle Watters
Message:  You served your country with honor while glancing back just long enough to understand that the roads ahead would always take your undivided attention. Your accomplishments will linger in the minds of those that have known you. The younger generation is indebted to men of your caliber. Those that never waivered their principles, values or took the easy way out. Your departure will leave a void while your presents made the world a kinder place. May the glory to everlasting life embrace you as a child coming in out of the cold.


Date: 2/12/2009 12:00:04 PM
From:
 Sue Politte
Message: Sorry to here about Leonard. I worked with & around him for years. He was a great person and will be missed . He liked the song " Butterfly Kisses" and it reminded him of a daughter. Bless his family.


Date: 2/12/2009 11:50:24 AM
From:
 James P. Tucker
Message: Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Mr. Smith was a very, very fine man. His quiet charm and softspoken manner always set him apart from others here in the prison. My prayer for the family has been sent forth. Sincerely, James P. Tucker


Date: 2/12/2009 11:21:38 AM
From:
 Gene Ricker
Message: You were a good man to work with. You have been missed by the people you worked with in Cedar

Tumwater: 360.753.1065 • Lacey: 360.491.2222 • Yelm: 360.400.5400 • Toll Free: 888.753.1065

© 2011 Funeral Alternatives of Washington, Inc, All Rights Reserved

Home | Education | Pre-Planning | Resources | Services & Pricing | About FA | Obituaries & Memorials | Contact | FAQs | Our Facilities | Our Staff | Testimonials