Carl Leon Smith

CARL LEON SMITH

Carl Leon Smith, 96, went to be with his Savior at 10 a.m. on August 31, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Coldwater, KS to Winferd Leslie Smith and Emma Elizabeth Sinkle Smith on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1928. He was the youngest of seven siblings, Winferd Smith, Freman Smith, Lorraine Smith, Theodore Smith, Zoe Woodman and Forrest Smith.

Carl served his country in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II as a striker radioman. He taught many of us how to spell out our names in Morse Code.

After the Navy, he drove a truck for his oldest brother. It was at this time that he met the love of his life, Ruby West. It was love at first sight for him, but Ruby took a little longer. But she always said she knew how smart he was within a few minutes. She also realized he used humor to hide it. They married in 1949. With Ruby’s encouragement, he used his GI Bill to go to and complete his studies at the University of Oklahoma. Seven years into their marriage, they had a daughter who stole his heart. Then, even better, came grandkids and finally a great-grandson. He loved them all.

Carl worked at PBS and Channel 13 and, most of all, at KWTV Channel 9 in Oklahoma City where he worked for 35 years. During that time, part of his job was to maintain the TV tower. At the time, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world. He later installed and maintained the first privately owned Doppler Radar for weather at Channel 9. He was a class act who adored his wife and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby, his parents Winferd and Emma Smith and all his siblings

Carl is survived by his daughter Melissa Kiby and Ed, grandchildren Merissa Sarlo and Sof, Micah Horn and Muse and great grandson Sage. He is also survived by his niece Ann Smith Little and nephew Donald Paden who lived with him and Ruby for several years to help them with things they needed. Both are loved. He loved all his nieces and nephews, and they loved him.

He learned to read and write, garden, work crossword puzzles and help people. He cared about everyone he met, and everyone loved him, even casual acquaintances. He will truly be missed.

Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Memory Lane Cemetery. The Reverend Michael Burkett will officiate.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Services of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net