Leslie Eugene Smith, 85, Atchison, Kansas died Monday, January 16, 2017 at the St. Luke’s Hospice House surrounded by his family.

Graveside services and interment of cremated remains will be Friday, January 20, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict Catholic School Endowment or St. Luke’s Hospice and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom the final arrangements have been entrusted. Online condolences and messages to the family may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Leslie was born on April 16, 1931 in Highland, Kansas the son of Henry and Gretha (Scofield) Smith. He graduated from the Atchison County Community High School.

He and the former Doris M. Watowa were united in marriage on November 5, 1953 at St. Joseph’s Church in Atchison.

Leslie was formerly employed for Page Airways in Atchison. Then he began working as a machinist-mechanic for Bendix Corporation, later with Allied Signal Corporation and then Honeywell, all in Kansas City, retiring in 1995.

He served his country in the United States Army from December 8, 1953 until his honorable discharge on December 7, 1955.

He was always active and enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing and camping. He was a dedicated husband and father to his family.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Doris M. Smith, Atchison, KS, two daughters, Sheryl (Terry) Sanders, Atchison, KS, Beverly (David) Kentzler, Atchison, KS, a son, Tom (Melinda) Smith, St. Joseph, MO, a sister, JoAnn Walton, Sabetha, KS, six grandchildren, one step grandchild, five great grandchildren, and three step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.