93-year-old Leo Melvin Smith of Flora, died Monday afternoon, May 3 at the Burge House in Flora.
He was born March 30, 1928, in Wayne County, Illinois, the son of Virgil C. and Bessie Lee Smith. He was united in marriage to Edna Brown, and she preceded him in death in 1954. He later married Elizabeth R. Uebinger on May 4, 1956, in Bible Grove and she preceded him in death March 12, 2008.
Leo drove a school bus for Flora Unit 35 School District for 33 years and the kids loved him very much. He was a lifetime farmer and enjoyed growing things and planting a garden each year. He also worked as an oilfield pumper. Leo performed mowing and maintenance work for Keith Township. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Flora.
He is survived by a daughter: Marie Browning of Rinard; stepchildren: Sue (Bing) Lowe, Dave (Nancy) Briscoe, and Richard (Goldie) Cunningham; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; a stepson: Jim (Donna) Uebinger; a sister: Grace Mix; a brother: Ralph Smith; and several infant siblings.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 7 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Bunker Cemetery, Rinard. Visitation will be 11 a.m. until time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders or Clay County Hospice and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com