Charles LeRoy Smothers' Obituary
Charles "Speedy" "Lee" LeRoy Smothers, age 75, of Moravia, passed away Monday, April 28, 2025.
Lee was born on April 23, 1950, the son of Kenneth and Jacquetta "Jackie" Ilene Guinn. Lee later gained a bonus father, Rudy Zemo, a part of most of his life. He was united in marriage to Deborah Tomlin.
Lee attempted to be a jack of all trades in everything he did. He spent time as a volunteer firefighter and first responder. Lee spent most of his adult life driving a truck, early on gaining the nickname "Speedy" and the name stayed with him until his last day. He loved driving a school bus and took great care of the children on those routes. Lee enjoyed caring for animals, often pig farming and dairy farming. Lee appreciated the Amish community, transporting others, and helping where he could. He cherished attending his children/grandchildren's activities as long as he could. He was fond of being outdoors. Lee enjoyed being around horses, often having a team/wagon and giving others rides around Moravia. He was known for a relaxing drive on a Sunday afternoon, a visit to The Catfish Place, and absolutely loved visiting and socializing with his family and friends.
Left to honor Lee's memory are his wife, Deb Smothers; his children, Anthony (Brooke) Smothers of Glenwood, IA, Heather Maletta (Tim Potter) of Moravia, IA, and Miranda (Cliff) Tucker of Ottumwa, IA; his grandchildren, McKinlee (Jordan) Jenkins, Ty Tucker, Cambree Smothers, Kirby Tucker; his great-grand child, Walker Jenkins; his siblings, Randy Smothers, Mark (Thelma) Smothers, Brent Smothers and Mike Zemo; as well as several extended family members and friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his mother, Jackie Zemo; his father, Kenneth Smothers; his stepfather Rudy Zemo, and his son, Kenny Smothers.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. An open house to greet his family will be held on Friday, May 9th from 4pm-8pm to be held at the Moravia Grace Fellowship Hall, Moravia, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Smothers Family, to be determined at a later date and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Smothers Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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