Leland H. Smith

De Soto – Leland Hawley Smith, 89, of De Soto passed away on June 30, 2016 at 2:19 p.m. with his loving family by his side.



Leland was born August 18, 1926 in Holstein, Iowa to Harold and Carrie (Nelson) Smith.



On December 20, 1947 he married Jo Ann Harvey in Quimby. She survives and is of De Soto.



Other survivors include his son, Brian Smith (Vallarie Erickson) of Littleton, CO; two daughters, Pamela Eaton of De Soto, and Cheryl (James) Williams of Valparaiso, IN; one granddaughter, Christine (Haddad) Chance (Chip) of De Soto; two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Emma Chance of De Soto; and many nieces and nephews.



He was proceeded in death by both parents, his sister (Helen Pope), and son-in-law Ronald D. Eaton Sr.



He was a proud Tech 5 in the United States Army from January 30, 1946 through February 21, 1947 until he was honorably discharged.



In spare moments, he loved to play snooker, pool, and cribbage. He was happy to leave the hustle and bustle of city life in Chicago for a calmer existence 7 years ago when the couple moved to De Soto. Jo Ann kept him busy nearly each and every day with shopping trips to Carbondale and he kept his good driving record until the end. He fought and conquered primary cancers four times during his life and took excellent care of Jo Ann every day that he could until his final illness.



Leland was a wonderful husband and father. The world is a far lesser place without him, but Heaven has been joined by one tough and terrific man. How lucky we were to have him for 89 years.



Memorial Services for Leland will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2016 in Meredith Funeral Home with Pastor Susan Burnett officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11:00 a.m. before the Memorial Service.



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Rivers of Living Water Fellowship Church in De Soto, or Wright-Way Rescue Animal Shelter in Murphysboro.



Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a story or memory of Leland, visit www.meredithfh.com