Leslie L. Smith, 88 of Fleming, passed away peacefully at his home following a lengthy illness Wed., May 6, 2015 in Fleming. Graveside inurnment will be 10am Tues., May 19 at the Fleming Cemetery with memorial service to follow at 11am at the Fleming United Methodist Church. Rev. Jodie Harless is officiating.

Les was born May 26, 1926 in Atwood, CO to Elbert and Rhoda Lee Lutz Smith. Growing up on the family irrigation farm, he helped raise sugar beets. After graduating from Crook High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1944 until his honorable discharge in 1946.

On Sept. 23, 1951, he married Norma Jean Wolfe in Greeley, CO. They settled on a farm near Fleming, raising their family, daughter Julie and son Kendall. Les was a long time resident of the Fleming community. He farmed and ranched for many years, raising various dryland crops and cattle. They enjoyed 46 years together until Norma's passing in 1998.

In 2005, Les married Merideth Mooney and was later divorced.

Les was a 32nd Mason and served many years on the Fleming Volunteer Fire Department Board. He especially loved hunting and fishing with his son and grandchildren.

Les is survived by his daughter Julie Murphy and husband Roger, grandchildren Michelle Gant and husband, Jennifer Lyle and husband Kevin, Tierney Holmgren and husband Chaise, Ashley Smith and Alec Smith and seven great grandchildren. Other survivors include a brother Dean Smith of Prescott, AZ and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Len and Warren Smith, his son Ken Smith and his sister Mary Ellen Breidenbach who passed on the same day as Les.

Contributions may be made to the Les Smith Memorial Fund in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, P.O.Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.