On Friday afternoon, May 18, 1945, at 2:21 p.m. a
bouncing baby boy was born. This little bundle of joy came in at a
whopping 6 lbs. 9 oz. just waiting to be cuddled by his parents, Mildred
Josephine 'Jo' Perry Smith and James Leon Smith. While this little
darling lay sleeping his mother decided to name him after his father so
James 'Leon' Smith Jr. was an official member of society.
It wasn't too long after Leon was born that Jo and James divorced. Jo
later remarried and another bundle of joy was brought into this world in
1947, Paula Jeanette Lankston. Just what Leon needed, a baby sister to
take care of and love.
As time went by Leon and Paula had such fun together creating memories even
though they were raised mostly by their mother. Jo's sister, Bonnie helped in
every way she could and loved these two little darlings as if they were her own.
There are many stories we've all heard, these sometimes bleak times but none of
us could ever tell them like they have!
Leon started his formal education at Huey, Fain and Barwise (later renamed
Washington) Elementary Schools. During Leon's first or second grade in school the
principle called Jo and told him that little Leon was going to be late
everyday after school. Jo questioned why and the reason was simple -
Leon liked to fight, anyone and everyone regardless of age or size!
While in second grade he became 'engaged' to Cynthia ?, and who knows
who else. So as time went by Leon became known as the fighting romeo!
By the time his Jr. high days came along at Barwise he was driving
around on his scooter with best friend Tommy. On one of their excursions
Leon and Tommy ran across some older mean ole boys and Leon being one to
'occasionally' pop off he went and did exactly that! Poor Tommy thought
they were dead for sure but they escaped with the help of the trusty ole
scooter!
While in Barwise Leon was to first meet the love of his life, Judy. Judy
being the older more sophisticated woman she didn't have much time for
such kids and their little practical jokes. Although she did watch
him fight at the Chuckwagon everyday. Ah, but little did she know that
the 'fighting romeo' would steal her heart!
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