Leroy Smith

Leroy Smith, 95, of New Castle, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, February 6, 2026, at Addison Place, surrounded by compassionate care.

He was born on March 10, 1930, in Oxford, Ohio, a son of the late Roy and Ethel (Eucks) Smith. Leroy was a proud graduate of Cadiz High School, Class of 1948. On July 30, 1949, he married the love of his life, Thelma Huddleston, in Lewisville, beginning a devoted marriage that would span 62 years and serve as the foundation of his life and family.

Leroy was known by all who knew him as a hardworking, dependable, and thoughtful man. He devoted many years of faithful service as a Journeyman Machine Repairman with Chrysler Corporation in New Castle, retiring in 1980. He also worked for several years at Modernfold.

A man who rarely sat still, Leroy found joy in working with his hands. He could often be found tending his garden, building birdhouses, repairing vehicles, or tackling projects around the home - including building the family home himself. He enjoyed fishing and, in his younger years, hunting and trapping. Leroy and Thelma also shared a love for travel, especially cherishing a memorable trip to Europe to explore his German heritage. For many years, they spent their winters together in Okeechobee, Florida, making lifelong memories along the way.

Above all else, Leroy was a dedicated and faithful Christian. His quiet strength and steady faith guided his life, and he was a longtime, committed member of Cadiz Christian Church. His faith was lived daily - through service, integrity, kindness, and love for others.

Leroy was also a member of the Elks Lodge #484, the Greensboro Lodge No. 175, F&AM, and the German American Club of Indianapolis. He valued fellowship, tradition, and community.

Some of the moments Leroy treasured most were spent attending the activities, events, and milestones of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was his greatest joy, and he took immense pride in each generation.

Those left to cherish Leroy's memory include his two daughters, Susan (Tom) Haskett and Linda (Tim) Matney, both of New Castle; his son, Milton (Regina) Smith of New Castle; seven grandchildren, Bryan Haskett, Jennifer (Brian) Blackford, Karen (Joshua) Blessinger, Paul (Brandy) Matney, Tim Matney (Lori Taylor), Amy (Bill) King, and Jamie (Leah) Smith; 14 great-grandchildren, Brooklyn (Michael) Abrams, Brayden (Ashley) Haskett, Connor (Katie) Haskett, Caden Blackford, Dylan Blackford, Collin Blessinger (Katie), Morley Blessinger (Trent), Ashlynn Blessinger, Peyton Blessinger, Bryce Matney (Andrea), Brett Matney (Ashley), Brandon Matney, Allison (Colt) Bartels, and Will King; 10 great-great-grandchildren, Kreighton, Reign, Arie, Oliver, and Topper Abrams, Desmond, Elowen, Theoden Haskett, Adalynn Matney, Emberlyn Matney; a brother-in-law, Paul (LaVerne) Roseberry of Florida; two dear lifelong friends from the Cadiz High School Classes of 1948 and 1949, Nila Clapp and Annie Davis; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Thelma L. (Huddleston) Smith, in 2012; his brother, Ora Smith; his brother, Lester Smith; his sister, Sylvia Grimme; and his sister-in-law, Judith Roseberry.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Jeff Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cadiz Christian Church by Clicking Here, or to AseraCare Hospice Foundation by Clicking Here. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Leroy's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of Addison Place and AseraCare Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and devoted care.

You may share a personal condolence with the family at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.

The Sproles Family Funeral Home and staff are honored to serve the family of Leroy Smith.