Leslie (Les) Ervin Smith, age 80, of Hays, KS passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 21, 2026 at Delmar Gardens - Lenexa.
He was born on December 23, 1945 in Hays, KS to Cecil H and Luella Mae Smith.
Les graduated from Hays High in 1963 and shortly after enlisted in the US Airforce and was a Vietnam Veteran. After leaving the service he worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and retired after 35 years.
He was known for his kindness, humor, and dedication to family. He was a lifetime member of the Hays VFW Post 9076 and served as Post Commander. He belonged to the Fort Hays Hog Chapter and was a founding member and the first director of the Hays American Legion Post Riders. He was an avid K-State, KC Chiefs, and KC Royals fan and attended many games. He spent much of his free time camping, fishing, golfing and traveling with family and friends. He was a longtime member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
He is survived by his loving spouse, Judy Smith; his children, Treasa (Les) Wing, Bryan Smith, Tony (Kelly) Smith, and Sarah Zerr; his stepchildren, Debbie Herrman, and Keith (Stacy) Herrman. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren; Tyler Wing, Sean Wing, Alex Wing, Ryan Smith, Chris Smith, Cecil Smith, Cassie Smith, Jace Hesford, Anna Zerr, Ben Zerr, Faith Burdine, Grace Demel, Chase Herrman, Hope Hugger, and JT Hugger, and 6 great-grandchildren, Allison Wing, Izzy Wing, Tori Wing, Evelyn Wing, Brielle Hugger, and Paxtyn Hugger, and a sister Peggy (Gary) Klaus, and brother Bud Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Luella, his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Smith, three grandchildren, Ryan, Shelby, and Kyla, sisters Bonnie, Betha, Ann, Donna and brothers Don and Bob.
A Mass will be Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Interment, with Military Honors performed by the Hays VFW Honor Guard, will follow the Mass in the Mt. Allen Cemetery - Hays. Viewing and Visitation will be Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service beginning at 7 PM at the funeral chapel.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Memorials are suggested to The Kansas Soldiers' Home - Ft. Dodge and/or The Hays VFW Honor Guard in care of the funeral chapel. Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.