Elvie Leon Smith, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep May 27, 2023.

Born August 8, 1938, to Stanley and Opal Smith at their home on Mount Liberty in Brown County. Later, moving to the farm on Valley Branch where Leon lived, worked and played with his siblings, Wayne, Betty, Violet, Dale, Wendel & Jack. He was proud to be a life-long resident of Brown County.

Leon met Deanna Pyatt in 1959. After a short courtship, they were married February 26, 1960. Shortly after their marriage they built their home in Brown County and resided in that home on 46 the remainder of his life. He was a wonderful husband and father, and he loved his grandchildren more than anything. He took every opportunity to spend time and invest in his grandchildren. He was an incredible Christian example to all his family and friends.

Survived by his devoted and loving wife, Dee, his sister, Violet Taylor; daughter, Terri (Doug) Wright; son, Kevin (Becky) Smith with children Nathaniel (Lauren), Austin, & Kenny; son, Mike (Rachelle) Smith with children Raegan, Alisa & Meg (Christian) Fouts; son, Brent (Missy) Smith with children Jordyn (Branson) Davis & Jackson.

Leon had an enormous & generous heart, helping neighbors, friends, family & even strangers at any time. He was clever and creative & could fix or build anything. He enjoyed serving and was always willing to fix or build things for others.

He retired from Golden Foundry in 2000 after 37 years.

Prior to Golden, he worked as an appliance repairman and even owned a bait shop which he and Dee ran from their garage. He was very good with small engines and would repair mowers and small engines as a side job. As a young man he worked on the farm & for a short period of time changed tires at a truck stop in Taylorsville IN.

He enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed the National Parks. He loved the mountains and enjoyed hiking trails with his brothers. He climbed Longs Peak in CO when he was in his 50s. He enjoyed fishing but didn’t get to fish as much as he would have liked. He and Dee were members of the Bucks and Does Square Dancing. He dabbled in politics as a precinct committeeman and he was even a Brown County volunteer deputy in the 60’s, back when there was only one paid deputy in the county.

He was a founding member of New Life Community Church and a current member of Encounter Life Ministries in Nashville. He especially enjoyed studying Bible Prophecy. His Christian faith was demonstrated through his actions and his relationships and the way he lived his life.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Jonathan Moore Pike; Rick Herman and Cory Joy will officiate. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Leon will be laid to rest in the Garden of Faith at the Garland Brook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Smith family at barkesweaverglick.com.