Thomas Smith

Thomas LeRoy Smith was born on June 23, 1937, the son of Loren Cecil and Zelma (Wicham) Smith in Denver, Colorado, and passed away Saturday, December 12, 2009, at his son's home in Audubon, Iowa.

Tom moved from Denver to Crook, Colorado, in the 1940s and resided there until he joined the U.S. Marines. After he was discharged, Tom returned to Crook, Colorado, to work on the family farm when his father was injured.

In April of 1963, Tom was united in marriage in Karen Lee McConnell. In 1965, a flood destroyed their home and the feedlot where was employed in Sterling, Colorado. At that time the family moved to Haxtun, Colorado and helped farm. Later he was employed at a beef plant in Sterling, Colorado until the plant closed. He was then employed at Seaboard Farms and even after retirement, continued to work there part time until 2009. Tom moved to Holyoke, Colorado after the death of his wife, Karen in 2001.

Tom was a hard working man who put his family first. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed fishing and gardening, tilling friend's gardens and spending time with family. Tom visited his father every Sunday. He was a member of a bowling league and of the Lion's Club.

Tom is survived by his children, Tony L. (Samantha) Smith of Audubon, Iowa, Ted Smith of Stanwood, Washington, Cindy Smith, and Colleen Smith of Haxton Colorado; his granddaughter, Jennifer (Kevin) Looker of Audubon, Iowa; his step grandchildren, Jade (Steven Orndorff) Smith of Audubon, Iowa; his step great granddaughter, Savannah Orndorff of Audubon, Iowa; his siblings, Betty (Larry) Bechtholdt, Charlotte Pierce, Dick (Tina) Smith, Loren "Buster" (Lois) Smith, Fred Smith, John (Denise) Smith and Linda Smith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Zelma Smith, his wife, Karen Smith; his brother, Larry Smith, his sister Christine Smith and his step great grandson, Steven Orndorff III.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 21, 2009, at Baucke Funeral Home in Holyoke, Colorado.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Sterling, Colorado, also on Monday, December 21, 2009.


Condolences may be left at www.hockenberryfamilycare.com.