LeRoy Vess Smith Jr was born on June 20, 1944 in Independence, Kansas to LeRoy Vess and Clavella Marguirte (Martin) Kasper.  He attended school in Moran, Kansas through high school until he entered the United States Army October 12, 1961.  His mother helped him lie on his papers to enter before he was 18.

Completing his high school education while in the Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, this is also where LeRoy obtained his advanced training in Police Science.  He later attended KLETC to obtain his law enforcement certification.  Additional advanced education included three years of college in Dodge City, Kansas as well attending Wichita Area Technical College.

Proudly serving his country in the Army, both foreign and domestic, LeRoy served two years in Korea and three years in Vietnam.  His many commendations included the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Basic, Senior, and Master Recruiter Badges, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.  LeRoy's first Honorable Discharge was October 11, 1967 with the rank of Private First Class.  Reenlisting on January 17, 1971, LeRoy served for over 14 additional years before being Honorably Discharged on April 30, 1985 with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

LeRoy worked in many different areas throughout his life.  He was a cable technician as well as climbing high towers for repairs.  Continuing his life in service, he was a Deputy Sheriff in Dodge City for a number of years.  He went on to work as a car salesman and a CDL truck driver.  Working for a short time as a tree technician for Countryside Lawn & Tree before going back to work as a truck driver at Dolese Concrete before finally retiring.

Having many interests and talents, LeRoy enjoyed playing the piano, his Fender guitar, and his Dean Banjo.  He loved drawing, poetry, and songwriting.  LeRoy could be found doing any of a number of things like fishing, cooking, baking, collecting coins and artwork with water painting, or watching sports or history on TV.  LeRoy was a member of the "Exclusive Writer's Club" as well as Skye Isle Enterprises and American Poetry Association where he was a published poet.  With 69 poems published, LeRoy was awarded 1989 Best poet, 1990 Best Up Coming, 1990 Poet of the Year, and the second highest award in the US-The Golden Poet Award.  LeRoy wrote 3 songs with "5 Star Music Masters" and also wrote songs for Country Music in Nashville.  A life member of VFW Post 3115 in Wichita, LeRoy served in several positions to include Jr Vice Chair, Sr Vice Chair, and District 5 Inspector.

At the age of 78, LeRoy passed away in Wichita on January 1, 2023.  He was preceded in death by his father, LeRoy Vess, Kasper Sr; stepfather, Harold E. Kilmer; mother, Clevella Kilmer; and siblings: Pat Bridges, Arlene Rooney, Beverly Felder, John Bridges, Dale Smith, Cheryl Wedel, and Rex Kasper.  LeRoy is survived by his children: Travis Smith of Wichita, Deborah Barker (Richard) of Wichita, TJ Smith of Wichita, Monica Smith of Longmont, Colorado, Luke Smith of Wichita, Matthew Smith of Wichita, and Justin Nunn of Wichita; brother, Leo "Sonny" Smith; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Prairie Rose in Harper.

Funeral Service is 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2023 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Harper with Pastor William Warren officiating.  Burial follows at the Attica Cemetery and military honors will be provided from the United States Army Honor Guard and members of the VFW throughout the area.

Memorials may be made to VFW Post #3115 and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058