Claris Leroy Smith, 25 Apr 1917 - 12 Apr 2009

OCHS, SMITH, HORRAS, BETZ, SHROUT, BURDEN

Posted By: Gerhardt Leffler (email)
Date: 4/25/2009 at 15:10:48

Claris Leroy Smith was born on April 25, 1917, in Millersburg, IA, the son of Eben Claris and Flossie Irene Ochs Smith. He grew up in Jasper County and graduated from Sully High School. On September 21, 1940, he was united in marriage to Irene Myrle Horras in Killduff, IA. Leroy and his brother Melvin were married to twin sisters Irene and Arlene in a double wedding ceremony. The couple farmed in Iowa County near Millersburg until retiring to North English in 1993. Leroy worked at Maytag for 10 years and for Amana Refrigeration for nearly 24 years. He enjoyed singing at church and special events, woodworking, and working in the crafts area at the East Iowa Bible Camp. Leroy died following a short illness on Sunday, April 12, 2009, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, at the age of 91 years, 11 months, and 18 days. He is survived by four children: Janet (Douglas) Betz of Ankeny, IA; Garry (Marjorie) Smith of Williamsburg, IA; Judy (David) Shrout of Cynthiana, KY; and Pastor Marvin (Kathy) Smith of Tucson, AZ; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 step great grandchildren; brothers Melvin Smith of Newton, IA, Floyd (Shirley) Smith of North English, IA and a sister Doris Burden of Springfield. MO. Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife in September 2007, infant sister Evelyn, sister Selma Smith, brother Rev. Truman Smith and sister-in-laws Neva Smith and Arlene Smith. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April15, 2009 at the Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English with Pastor Marvin Smith officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 5 PM to 8 PM. A memorial fund has been established for the East Iowa Bible Camp. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.
Visitation: 5 PM to 8 PM April 14, 2009 at Powell Funeral Home, North English, IA
Funeral Service: 10:30 AM April 15, 2009 at Powell Funeral Home, North English, IA
Interment: April 15, 2009 at Community Cemetery, Rural Deep River, IA

Cedar Rapids Gazette, 14 Apr 2009, pg A8 (the above obit from the funeral home contains more info than the CRG)