Earl Leroy Smith

Earl Leroy Smith, 87, formerly of Kutztown, died on Monday, July 17, 2017 in Bellefonte, PA, where he resided with his son, Kenneth, since March. He was the widower of Shirley M. (Bortz) Smith. The couple was married for 56 years, prior to Shirley's death on February 25, 2011.

Born in Fleetwood, Earl was a son of the late Francis David and Grace Helen (Adam) Smith. He was a member of Saint Paul's United Church of Christ, Kutztown, where he served on the church Consistory. Earl was a 1948 graduate of Kutztown Area High School, where he enjoyed serving on his high school reunion committee in his later years, and until recently, he enjoyed attending the monthly breakfasts at the Airport Diner. Following his high school graduation, Earl enlisted into the United States Navy, where he served during the Korean War. He owned and operated Earl Smith roofing since 1956, and then partnered with his son Ken in 1976, until retiring in 1992. A very community oriented person, Earl was a 50-year member of the Kutztown Lion's Club, where he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award and was a 50-year member of Huguenot Lodge #377, F.&A.M., Kutztown, where he was a contributing contractor to their building project in 1973. He was also a member of Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion, Topton, where he was a member of their Honor Guard; Kutztown and Lyons Fire Companies; Pike Township Sportsmen's Assn., and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 839, Kutztown. Earl was very interested in his genealogy and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. He enjoyed attending Grundsow Lodge meetings and Dreibelbis Family events for many years. Earl was an avid racing fan, and had many interests including snowmobiling, hunting, gardening, softball games, traveling and Penn State football. But most importantly, he will be remembered as a great father and grandfather, and a mentor to many young men who he came in contact with through his business.

Earl is survived by a Son, Kenneth E., husband of Ruth E. (Crone) Smith, Bellefonte, PA; Brother, John Smith, Fleetwood; 4 Granddaughters, Laura, Angela, Kendra and Kyra; and 3 Great-Grandsons, Silas, Michael and Atticus, who were the light of his life. He was predeceased by a Grandson, Nathan Smith; a Sister, Dorothy; and 2 Brothers, Francis and Robert Sr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Saturday morning, July 22, 2017 from 9:45 to 11:00 AM in Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, followed by a Masonic service by Huguenot Lodge #377, F.&A.M., Kutztown at 11:15 AM. A funeral service to celebrate Earl's life will be held at 12:00 noon in Saint Paul's United Church of Christ, 47 S. Whiteoak Street, Kutztown, with Reverend John W. Davies officiating. A procession will leave from the funeral home to the church at 11:45 AM Burial, with military honors, will be private in Hope Cemetery, Kutztown.

The family requests that contributions may be made in Earl's memory to Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion, 133 Centre Avenue, Topton, PA  19562. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.