Leslie 'Doc' Smith

Leslie D. "Doc" Smith, 94, of Jackson passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at his home.

He was born June 20, 1927, in Jackson to Dewey and Margaret Koehler Smith. He and Rosemary A. Schabbing were married June 11, 1955, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. Five children were born to their union. They had been married 65 years when Rosemary passed away Dec. 11, 2020.

Doc was a graduate of Jackson High School.

He was baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson. After he and Rosemary were married, he became a member of St. Mary's Cathedral.

Doc was a veteran of World War II, serving honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps from June 11, 1945, to June 10, 1949. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 158 in Jackson.

He owned and operated a farm east of Jackson, raising cattle and row crops. He was also employed many years at Missouri Litho and Printing Co. in Cape Girardeau.

His greatest enjoyment was spending time with family.

Loving survivors include five children, Steven (Debbie) Smith of Sedgewickville, Missouri, Geralyn (Rod) Rhymer of Scott City, Michael (Susie) Smith of Jackson, Patricia (Dennis) Schuette of Friedheim and Sheila (Randy) Rhymer of Jackson; 13 grandchildren, Jamie Kiefer, Bradley (Jennifer) Smith, Blake (Shea) Popp, Christina Smith (Justin Oliver), Tonya (Dylan) Snell, Desirae (Johnny) Cook, Ashley Smith Seabaugh, Danielle Schuette (Matt Seiler), Michael Smith (Alyssa Alger), Brooke (Alex) Simmons, Kyle Rhymer, Katie (Trey) Wallace and Lee Smith (Sarah Melchert); 24 great-grandchildren, Evan and Owen Kiefer, Cody Johnston, Dakota and Brenley Smith, Colton, Cayden and Callie Friese, Case Snell, Harley Smith, Koby, Aubrey and Lawsyn Cook, MaKayla Rangel, Hunter and Holden Seabaugh, Beckett and Elliot Simmons, Layn Wallace, London, Sydney and Kaleb Popp and Maci and Tate Zoellner; and a great-great-grandson, Lincoln Johnston.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and two brothers, Earl and Fred Smith.

A private funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral. Military rites and interment are private at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brad Smith, Blake Popp, Michael Smith, Kyle Rhymer, Lee Smith, Alex Simmons, Trey Wallace, Johnny Cook and Matt Seiler. Honorary pallbearer is Colton Friese.

The family appreciates memorial contributions to Colton's Crew or St. Mary's Food Pantry.

Doc's care was entrusted to McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the "Tribute Wall" tab of Doc's personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.