Lauman R. Smith "Lep"

THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME

The Life Journey of Lauman "Lep" Smith

A FOUNDATION IN INDY

Lauman Smith, affectionately known as "Lep," began his journey on November 8, 1960, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the fourth child born to the union of George P. and Lizzie Smith. Lep was a product of the Indianapolis Public School system, attending IPS #38 and later Arsenal Technical High School, where his natural talent for working with his hands first began to shine. He was a true craftsman — the kind who could turn popsicle sticks into artwork, complete with secret compartments where he could hide his cash. His ability to hide things in plain sight was so clever that it would make someone stop and say, "I should do that."

Lep was also known to have a yard full of "stuff." If he saw something on the side of the road and thought it could be of use, best believe it was ending up at his house. He even managed to lay three carpets on top of each other — and if you asked him why, he’d tell you with a straight face he was trying to level the house out.

THE HANDS OF A MASTER

Lep was a man who understood the language of engines and steel. His lifelong career in mechanics and labor was a testament to his skill. He served as a janitor at Major Tool and Machine, a mechanic at Dan Young Chevrolet, and spent six years as a sandblaster at KDC Truck & Trailer Repair Inc. Beyond his formal jobs, Lep’s true passion was found in the garage. He had a deep love for Harley-Davidsons and classic cars — where others saw rust, Lep saw a vision.

He was famous for taking things apart just to see how they worked — but the real "Lep Experience" happened when he gave the car back. He was known for returning a vehicle without all its original pieces, having decided they were unnecessary. If you questioned him about the leftover parts, he’d simply tell you with total confidence: "You don’t need it!" And he never did put them back.

THE MAYOR OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Lep didn’t just live in his neighborhood; he ruled it. As the self-proclaimed "King and Mayor," he was famous for creating unusual rules that perfectly suited whatever circumstance he was in. Take his house, for example — he named it "Club 1836." It didn’t cost a thing to get in, but you had to pay to get out. He was a man of quick wit and creative "Lep-isms," always ready with a comeback. He’d start telling you a story, and right in the middle of it — instead of finishing — he’d just say, "and dee dee dee," and keep moving. The funny part? Everyone still knew exactly what he meant. Despite his stubborn ways, Lep had a heart for the people. He was the type of man who would give his last and try to figure out how he was going to get it back later.

FAMILY & "DRESS UP"

Life with Lep was never dull. You might find him "playing dress-up," putting on a full, sharp outfit just to walk to the corner. Or you might hear the familiar sound of him and his sister, Hortensia, fussing at each other from their front porches — living right across the street from one another. He’d yell, "You down here meddling in my business!" and she’d fire right back, "I was on this corner first!" That was their love language.

And if family or friends made a pit stop through the neighborhood, they’d better hope Lep was in the mood for company. If he wasn’t — and you caught him on that couch rubbing his toes together, tired from the day — he wasn’t getting up. You’d knock on the door and all you’d hear was a loud "WHATTTT!" from the other side. That was his way of saying, "don’t bother."

THE FINAL LAP

After a long and courageous battle with illness, Lep departed this earthly life on February 9, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lizzie Smith; three sisters, Linda Mack, Abigail Smith, and Hortensia Smith; and his grandson, Andre Smith.

HIS LEGACY LIVES ON

He leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Tawanna Smith, Rochelle Smith, Jasmine Johnson, Lakeisha Cross, and Asia Dozier; grandsons, Isaac and Aaryk; granddaughters, Jadess Evans, Royal Aramade, and Korea Jefferson; his only brother, Hyman (Ann) Smith; and a host of family and friends who will miss his "Mayor" rules and his one-of-a-kind talk.

THE PIT CREW

His daughter, Lakeisha, wishes to extend a special thanks to those who stood beside him through the hard times of his four-year journey, including friends Lamont Osborn Sr., Chestina Harris, Brandon, and Danielle Turner.