Forrest LeRoy Smith

    PLAINS – Forrest LeRoy Smith, 81, died Thursday, May 8, 2008, at the Meade District Hospital, Meade.
 He was born Feb. 21, 1927, at Wilmore, to Stephen Fay and Velma (Ridge) Smith. In 1949, he married Bernice Toothaker in Wilmore. The couple later divorced. On May 29, 1983, he married Donna Steierl in Sterling. She survives
    He attended school in Wilmore, graduating from Wilmore High School in 1944. He later entered the United States Navy, having served during World War II, and was discharged in 1946. He later attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, receiving his bachelor of science degree.  He later received a certificate in banking from the University of Wisconsin.
     After receiving his education, he worked as an extension agent for seven years before entering into his banking career. Forrest moved in 1980 to Plains, where he accepted a position with the Plains State Bank as vice president after being president of the First National Bank in Sterling.          In 1983, Forrest and Donna bought the Sonic Drive-In in Meade, operating it for eight years, and had a sharpening service.  He had also managed the Senior Citizen Housing in Plains for approximately eight years before retiring.
 He was a member of the First Baptist Church; Lions Club, having served as club president, both of Plains; and had served on the Plains City Council for 18 years.
 Survivors include two sons, Steven W. Smith, Glenwood Springs, Colo., and Scott A. Smith of Wichita; a stepson, Terry Mosier, Hutchinson; two daughters, Brenda Choitz,                 Bullhead City, Ariz., and Dr. Cheryl A. Schmidt, Wichita; a stepdaughter, Joan Wyatt, Abilene; two sisters, Virginia Linnell, Twin Falls, Idaho, and Lorita Harrison, Dallas; seven grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
 He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Calvin F. and Melvin W. Smith.
 Celebration of life services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church, Plains, with the Rev. Neal Foster presiding. 
     The family would welcome memorials to the First Baptist Church or the Young at Heart in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.
    Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com.