Leo Don "Smitty" Smith, Jr., 63, of Grandview, MO, peacefully passed on January 24, 2011, at his home surrounded by his loving wife and adoring family after a courageous fight against ALS. Visitation will be 3-6 p.m. with a Rosary at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 30, at St. Matthew Apostle Catholic Church 8001 Longview Rd. Kansas City, MO. Mass of Ressurection 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 31, at St. Matthew's. Interment with Military Honors in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. Don was born June 30, 1947, in Saginaw, MI, to Leo and Eleanore (Madden) Smith. He grew up with three brothers and two sisters in Port Monmouth, NJ, where he graduated from Middletown Township High School in 1966. He was a state wrestling champion in his weight class and an Order of the Arrow recipient in Boy Scouts. Afterwards, he proudly joined the United States Air Force as a firefighter serving some time in Vietnam. In 1969, he was stationed at Richards Gebaur Air Force Base in south Kansas City where he swept his beautiful bride of 41 years, Patty Ryan Smith, of Kansas City off her feet at a U.S.O. dance. The Air Force moved them to Elmendorf Air Force base in Anchorage, AK for a year. After an honorable discharge, Don and Patty moved back to Kansas City where he began a 31 year career with the Grandview Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT from 1971-2002. He earned his Associates degree in Fire Science from Penn Valley Community College. He is a retired professional firefighter with IAFF Local 1786. After retirement, he worked at Sam's Club in Grandview. With his son, Don was actively involved in Boy Scout troop 552. He was an honorary warrior, "Falling Sparks," in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say in Osceola MO. He loved his time and memories made with his son and fellow dads in scouting. Don enjoyed his close-knit community at St. Matthew's Catholic Church where he was involved in the Renew group. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved spending time with family and was extremely proud of his six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Don enjoyed growing roses, working in the yard, being outdoors fishing, hunting, and star gazing. Many a summer night, you could catch him cheering on his KC Royals. He enjoyed reading the Sunday paper; caring for freshwater aquarium fish and running into old friends around town to sit and chat for a bit. He was interested in space travel and mentioned if "I ever win big in the lottery, I am going on the space shuttle." A calm, patient, sincere gentleman; a man of few words, but unmatched wisdom and strength of character; his word was as good as any contract; a great listener. He was devoted to his family, neighbors, friends, and greater Grandview community. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed dearly. His wise advice and love will remain in our hearts forever. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo D. Smith Sr.; brother, Christopher Smith; grandparents Rose & Harry Smith of St. Louis, MI and Sarah & Raymond Neary of Red Bank, NJ. He is survived by his wife, Patty Smith; son, Mark Smith and daughter-in-law, Heather, Kansas City, MO; and daughter, Melissa Aleman and son-in-law, Francisco, Saint Louis, MO; mother Eleanore Smith, Lee's Summit, MO brothers: Bruce Smith, Lees Summit, MO; Andrew Smith, Kansas City, MO; sisters: Ellen McLaughlin, Lee's Summit, MO and Frances Golder, Kansas City, MO; six wonderful grandchildren: Kaiya, Coltin, Cody, Kaden Smith; and Xavier & Alyana Dawn Aleman. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the ALS Association- Keith Worthington Chapter in Mission, KS or The Sister Servants of Mary in Kansas City, KS. Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com.
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