Leroy Irvin Smith, 80, of Emmett, embarked on his heavenly journey on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, with his loved ones by his side. He was born April 11, 1945, to the late Sidney and Marjorie (Steinbrink) Smith of Ray Center.
Shortly after graduating from Armada High School in 1963, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves, proudly serving our country. He then went on to have a successful career as an electrician in Local 58.
Through the years, he took great pride in harvesting the fruits of his labor, logging, farming and raising cattle. He was surely known for enjoying all of the simple things in life. Leroy had a true passion for old country and bluegrass music- a passion that will be carried on for many generations to come. Having learned to play the guitar at a young age, he spent decades entertaining family and friends with his music, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Leroy was a wise man with a very unique sense of humor. He was sure to make you laugh with some of his one-liners or jokes. His presence was invigorating yet comforting and could hardly go unnoticed. Over the last decade, he faced many medical trials with remarkable strength and perseverance. Inspiring all who knew him. His perspective through the struggles was “It’s never so bad it can’t be worse.”
He is survived by his former wife and companion of over 40 years, Carol Smith, and his four loving children and grandchildren; son, Allen Smith, and his children, Brandon, Kyle, Amber, Ashley, and Casey ; son, Lonnie (Cheryl) Smith, and their children, Meghan, Darlyn, Serena (Nathan), Kailey (Mitchell), Sydney (Tyler), and Lawson (Jersie); daughter, Carrie (Matt) Smith and their children Colton, Macara and Jimmy; son, Carter Smith and his children, Carter Jr. (Riley), Gracie , and Mason ; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three younger sisters, whom he truly adored: Betty (John) Whisnant, Cheryl Blake, and Kathy (Richard) Knust; his lifelong friend and aunt, Tip Willman; his inherited family, Jody (Jodie) Mihal, and their son, his pal Noah. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
Leroy is preceded in death by his brother, Marvin Smith; aunt, Dorothy Steiner; brother-in-law, Edward Blake; the mother of his children, Faith Smith Hunter; and his beloved K9 Bugsy.
Visitation for Leroy is 4-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27 at Kaatz Funeral Directors, 10 South Main Street, Yale.
Funeral services are at 12 p.m., Saturday Feb. 28 with an 11 a.m. visitation at the funeral home. Visiting pastor, the Rev. Julie Kramer, will officiate the funeral and Leroy’s grandson Colton will deliver the eulogy.
Immediately following Saturday’s service, the family invites you to follow the procession to Lonnie and Cheryl’s for an old-fashioned barn gathering to enjoy lunch with live bluegrass music. “Come with a smile, leave with a memory.”
Honorary pallbearers: Carter Jr, Mason, Colton, and Lawson Smith, Ryan and Raymond Knust, Ben Delorey, and Darren Wassmus.
