Thomas Leroy Smith, 77, of Watonga, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Leroy was born on January 29, 1949, to Leonard Virgil and Georgia Lavern (Hays) Smith. As a young boy, he lived in Oklahoma City before attending elementary school in Oakwood. He later spent several years in Geary before settling in Watonga, where he graduated from Watonga High School with the Class of 1967. Following high school, Leroy began working at the Dr Pepper bottling plant in Elk City. He later proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. On April 4, 1970, he married Linda Gomke, and the couple made their home in Watonga until her passing. Then on May 30, 2017, Leroy married Katherine Kuntz in Arkansas. Leroy spent many years working hard. He worked at the Ventura gas plant for a time and dedicated much of his career to being a rat hole driller. He also worked alongside B&W Ready Mix Concrete. He retired in January 2026 after a lifetime of honest and demanding work. He was known as a hardworking man who enjoyed working on mechanics and took pride in fixing things. Leroy also had a passion for collecting and was known for his interest in M&M memorabilia.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Katherine Smith, of the home in Watonga; his stepson, Jeramya Mouton of Watonga; his brother, Leonard Smith and wife Teresa; his sister, Tresia Mae Pendergraft of Shawnee, Oklahoma; his sister-in-law, Sandy Wagner of Bismarck, North Dakota; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Leonard and Georgia Smith, his first wife, Linda Smith; an infant son; one brother, Ronald Gene Smith; and one sister, Nola Laverne Carter.

Leroy will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his mechanical skills, and his dedication to his family and friends.

Leroy's family will announce the day and time of his memorial service.

Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, OK, Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at facebook.com/TurnerFuneralHomes.