Carl Leon Smith

Carl Leon Smith went to be with his Savior at 10:00 am on 8-31-2024 surrounded by his family. He was born in Coldwater, KS to Winferd Leslie Smith and Emma Elizabeth Sinkle Smith on Groundhog's Day 2/02/1928. He was youngest of 7 siblings, Winferd Smith, Freman Smith, Lorraine Smith, Theodore Smith, Zoe Woodman, and Forrest Smith.

Carl served his country in the US Navy at the end of WWII. He was a striker Radioman. He taught many of us how to spell our name in Morse code.

After the Navy, he drove a truck for his oldest brother. It was at this time he met the love of his life Ruby West. It was love at first site for him, Ruby took a little longer, But she always said she knew how smart he was within a few minutes. She also realized he used humor to hide it. They married in 1949. With Ruby's encouragement, he used his GI bill to go to college and study electronics and engineering. He received his associate degree at OCU and completed his studies at University of Oklahoma. Seven years into their marriage they had a daughter, who stole their heart. Then, even better, came grandkids and finally a great grandson. He loved them all.

He worked at PBS and channel 13 and most of all KWTV Channel 9 in OKC. He worked there for 35 years, During that time, part of his job was to maintain the tv tower. At the time, it was the tallest man made structure in the world. He later installed and maintained the first privately owned Doppler radar for weather at channel 9.

He was a class act who adored his wife and family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby, his parents, Winferd and Emma Smith and all of his siblings. He is survived by his daughter Melissa Kiby, (Ed), grandchildren Merissa Sarlo (Sof); Micah Horn (Muse) and great grandson Sage. He is also survived by Ann Smith Little, his niece and nephew, Donald Paden. Donald lived with him and Ruby for several years to help them with the things they needed. Both are loved. He loved all his nieces and nephews and they loved him.

He loved to learn and read,garden, work crossword puzzles, and help people. He cared about everyone he met and everyone loved him, even casual acquaintances. He will truly be missed.