Leon Smith

Leon John Smith passed away peacefully at Autumn Breeze Assisted Living on September 20, 2021. He was born on November 17, 1933 to Leon H. and Ethel A. John Smith in Malad, Idaho. Leon grew up in Napa, California where he graduated from Napa High. After high school, Leon attended BYU, served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico, and then served in the U.S. Army for two years.

While he was in the Army he met and married Elena Chavez, his wife of 20 years, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Leon and his family moved back to Napa where he worked at Napa State Hospital as a psychiatric technician. He later moved to Camarillo where he and Elena separated and later divorced. While working there he met and was married to Erica DeSantis for a short time. After 35 years working at the Camarillo State Hospital he retired and moved to Murray, Utah to be near his mother and family. He recently moved in with his family to be taken care of.

Leon was a member of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) where he received the title of Life master with the ranking of Gold. He was nationally ranked and played in many tournaments. Leon enjoyed horseracing, bowling, and baseball.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Bobbie, Eldon, and Thomas. He is survived by his five children, Leon (Wilma) Smith Jr., Cathy (Robert) Lenker, Steve R. (Laura) Smith, Patricia (James) Cooley, and James E. (Brenda) Smith; two siblings, Sharon (Donald) Morris, and Dale D. (Teresa) Smith; sisters-in-law, Eldena Smith and Carolyn Smith; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.

A graveside will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, October 4, 2021 at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Rd., Camarillo, California 93012.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Leon’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.