Carl R. Smith, 17, Avid Outdoorsman

Mr. Smith was born on February 1, 1988 in Cleveland, OH and lived in Lorain all his life. He was a freshman at Elyria High School. He attended Delaware Avenue United Methodist Church.

He loved school and especially riding the bus to and from school. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed fishing and the beach. He also enjoyed shopping, golfing, bowling and his summer cottage on Pelee Island.

Mr. Smith was a member of Youth Challenge and participated in the Special Olympic in the 40 meter sprint, bean bag push, target drop and on the bowling team.

He was adopted as the unofficial poster child for the Lorain Elks and was instrumental in developing the relationship between the Lorain Elks and the Children's Developmental Center in Amherst. Mr. Smith attended the Children's Developmental Center all his life.

On November 27, VFW Post 8686 in Sheffield Lake hosted a benefit to purchase a beach chair so that Mr. Smith was able to obtain a longtime dream of walking on the beach like other children. He was able to use the chair only once.

Mr. Smith is survived by parents Walter "Wayda" and Karen K. (nee Werner) Leadbetter of Lorain, his father Jerry Smith of Lorain, grandparents Donna Werner of Lorain and Larry & Marilyn Leadbetter of Salina, Kansas, 3 uncles and 2 aunts.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather Gerald Werner in 1995.

A Memorial service will be held on May 25, 2005 at 11:00 am in Schwartz Spence Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, OH, with Rev. Christopher Statz officiating. A public reception and luncheon will be held following the burial at the Lorain Elks, 203 Sixth Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052.

Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Amherst Township.

The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Challenge, 4320 W. 220th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44126 or Children's Developmental Center, 150 Erie Court, Amherst, Ohio 44001.

Online condolences at www.boyer-cool.com