Leo Charles Smith, Sr. Obituary

   Leo Charles Smith Sr., age 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Thursday, December 31, 2015. All the prayers from family, classmates, and total strangers kept Leo strong thru a

lengthy battle with a very aggressive throat and lung cancer.

   Leo was born July 28, 1938, to J.M. and Dora Smith in Eastland, Texas. He married his classmate Barbara Carey on August 20, 1955.  They moved to Abilene in 1958 where Leo started a

commercial art business, Art by Leo. He did television art for KRBC Channel 9 and KPAR Channel 12 from 1958-1970, and designed the Old Abilene Town. In 1977, they moved to Yoakum,

Texas where he was the advertising manager for TexTan Western Leather Company from 1977-1987, he also owned a western store in Yoakum from 1986-2003, and was in the cactus business

with his son Leo Jr. in Sanderson, TX. In 2003, he retired and moved to Sanderson where he was a member of the First Calvary Baptist Church, a member of the Masonic Lodge #662 in

Yoakum, and a proud member of Eastland Class of 1957. He received an honorary diploma from Eastland High School on June 22, 1985.

   Leo was blessed with God given talent for art and sculpturing, whether it be pencil, pen, watercolor, oil or acrylic. Hanging in the Eastland High School cafeteria is the painting

“The Magic Mavs” with a hand carved picture frame, along with a sculptured bronze longhorn to honor the 1982 Texas High School Football Class 2A State Champions.

He designed the cover for the Eastland County Historical Book, and the Longhorn on the new water tower. He loved designing and writing poetry.

   He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara of Bangs; daughters, Deborah and husband Take of Ohio, Sharron and husband Eddie of Port Lavaca; son, Leo Jr and wife

Teresa of Bangs; 6 grandchildren, Jason, Takemi, Toshimi, David, Darcie and Michele; 3 great-grandchildren, Nathan, Weston, James; brothers, Roy Lee Smith and wife

Wanda of Eastland, and Barney Smith of San Antonio; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

   Leo’s wishes were to be cremated. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood. 

  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to be made to St. Judes in his name. Online condolences can be made at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.