Obituary of Joseph Lee Smith

Coffeyville - Joseph Lee Smith, 83, of Dearing, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Lee was born on October 19, 1927 at Mansfield, MO, to Levi Martin and Bessie (Likes) Smith. When he was young his family moved to Dearing where he grew up and attended Dearing School, and Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving at the end of World War II and the beginning of the Korean War. Following his discharge in 1947 he returned to Dearing and began working at the Co-op Refinery in Coffeyville. In May 1952 he married Delma Lucas at the Dearing Christian Church. Following their marriage they made their home in Dearing. In 1953 he became the owner of Lucas and Smith Grocery in Dearing, operating the store until 1968 when was appointed Postmaster at the Dearing Post Office serving until 1989 when he retired after 24 years. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Caney. Lee was very active in the Dearing community, serving as Treasurer and later as Mayor of Dearing, Dearing School Board member, longtime member of the Dearing Fire Department, and was instrumental in the organizing the Montgomery County Rural Fire Department. He was also a member of the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary for over 20 years, and served on the Red Cross Disaster Team. In his free time he enjoyed golfing and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Delma of the home; daughter, Terri Bishop of Dearing; son, Marty Smith of Dearing; daughter, LeAnna Fowler of Elk City; and son Gail Smith of rural Coffeyville; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and two granddaughters. Following Lee's wishes cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service Celebrating his life will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2011 at the Dearing Christian Church with Pastor Brad Sanders officiating. Following the service inurnment will be in Jefferson Cemetery northwest of Dearing. Friends may sign the register book on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to the Dearing Fire Department, Caney First Christian Church, or Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Auxiliary; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337. Tagged as: Dearing Christian Church, Jefferson Cemetery