Obituary of Leland Earl Smith

Leland E. Smith, the son of Ralph William and Ellen (Carson) Smith, was born November 28, 1930 in Newton, Iowa. He graduated from the Newton Sr. High School with the class of 1949. He served in the Iowa National Guard. On July 17, 1953, Leland was united in marriage with Julia Marie Van Hall at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. He worked for Lowes Seed Co. as the state sales manager from 1950-1954; for Brown-Teater in new home construction from 1954-1956; and as an engineer for the Maytag Company from 1956-1996. Leland was a longtime Scout Master. He enjoyed community activities, reading, the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes and the Newton Cardinals. He was a past board member of the Newton Chamber of Commerce; past president of the Newton Visitor & Convention Bureau; past chairman of the Jasper County Historical Foundation; past president of the Jasper County Historical Society and Central Iowa Investment Council and Newton Alumni Association; former Elder, Deacon, Trustee at the First Presbyterian Church; a member of the Newton Masonic Lodge; Za Ga Zig Shrine; Za Ga Zig Tractor Club; Scottish Rite; Packard Car Club; Ford V/8 Flathead Car Club; Maytag Management Club; National Grange – 7th Degree member; and Maytag Collectors Club. Leland died on Monday, April 7, 2014 at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. He was 83 years old. Leland was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Julia, on November 10, 1998, his daughter, Lee Ann in 1960 and his brothers and sisters, Mary, Gladys, Dale and Hugh. Those left to honor Leland's memory include his son, Doug (Sally) Smith of Des Moines, IA and his granddaughter, Emily Smith; and his many friends including special friends, Diane Birchard and Jack and Charlotte Maples. Services will be held 10:30 am Thursday, April 10th at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Wednesday at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Memorials may be designated in Leland's name to the Jasper County Historical Society and may be left at the church or at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com