Leo Bert Smith

On August 2, 2018 Leo Bert Smith, transitioned to a whole other way of being. He was 98 years old. Leo was born on May 21, 1920 and was raised on a small farm near Rockwell City, Iowa. Weary of midwestern winters, he made his way to southern California when he was 20. Several years later he volunteered to serve in the Air Force in WWII, hoping to be a pilot. His eyesight kept him from piloting a B-24 and he became a bombardier instead, flying a remarkable 46 missions in the South Pacific. After the war ended he worked in the aerospace industry in Long Beach. Later he owned a variety store, and it was during those years that he met Carol Burns, at a round-dance class; it was love at first sight for both of them. At that point she was a divorcee with one teenage daughter (Ellen) and Leo had no biological children.  Leo was 50 when he and Carol were married. Leo was a son of the Depression and WWII and, as such, he was persevering and stubborn and responsible and a huge fan of "hard work." He also was steady and cautious and had a really soft heart. He and Carol traveled extensively after they both retired, Yosemite being a favorite destination. He was a sweet grandpa to Ellen’s daughter and son. He loved Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra and “Columbo” and USC football. He was an avid lawn-bowler for 25 years. Dear Leo, fly free now. Thank you for the integrity and faithfulness and quiet courage with which you lived your life. Thank you for being on this journey with all of us who loved you . . . your daughter, Ellen; your grandson, Logan; your granddaughter, Jen; your former son-in-law, Jim; your niece and her husband, Janet and Phil; your brother- and sister-in-law, Neil and Jan; and a large support community of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, Fullerton, Interment to follow at Loma Vista Memorial Park, Fullerton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.