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!