Dennis Leroy Smith ,75, lost his battle with cancer on Friday, October 6th, 2023.
Dennis was born September 22, 1948 in Lawrence, KS the son of Leland and Eunice Smith.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war and was stationed in Germany. He was a man of many skills including singing, hunting, playing poker, and coaching baseball. His longest job was as a maintenance and grounds worker for USD 497. He was also a welder, construction work, and limo driver, just to name a few.
He married Eloise Montgomery on October 25th, 1969. They later divorced. He never remarried.
Survivors include his daughter, Mischa Bell (Chris), Lawrence; a son Richard McCart (Shari), Garner, North Carolina; a brother Eric Smith (Judy), Lawrence; 5 grandchildren Allison, Aeron, Aspen, Jackson and Alexandria; his nephews and niece, Dustin, Cory, Brett, Patrick and Lori whom he loved like they were his own.
Dennis was a fierce KU Basketball fan, he loved his hot rods, his motorcycle, hunting, fishing and playing cards. Dennis never met a karaoke night he didn’t like, you could find him singing anything- Oldies, Doo Wop and especially anything Motown.
Dennis was a friend to everyone, if you were lucky to call him friend, you knew it was for life. He was a gentle giant, a big teddy bear with a huge heart. He loved his friends and family with everything he had.
A graveside inurnment will take place on Thursday, October 12th at 11:00 AM at Maple Grove Cemetery in North Lawrence. Memorial contributions can be sent to Douglas County VNA- Hospice.
