Gerald Edward “Smiley” LeClaire went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Jan. 6, 2024, having reached the age of 92. He was a devoted husband, father, friend to many, and a hard worker for his entire life.
He was born Oct. 1, 1931, to Earl and Myrtle (Hansen) LeClaire and joined a brother and a sister. He attended St. Henry’s Catholic school in St. Louis, for his early elementary grades, and then the family moved to Gerald where he completed the rest of his elementary education. He was a 1949 graduate of Union High School. During high school and after graduation he worked with his dad and brother in his father’s trucking business hauling eggs, milk, and once even a tank of grape juice.
Smiley enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean War. He was sent to Camp Crowder in Neosho, for basic training and then spent the rest of his time in the service stationed in Metz, France. He was honorably discharged in 1954.
When he returned home, he worked for his father again in the truck hauling business. He met and married Doris Marie Meyer in 1954. They had two daughters, Susan Marie, and Brenda Kay.
In 1973, he and his brother Elbert “Frenchy” LeClaire bought several area milk routes and started a business which they named LeClaire Brothers Transfer. After selling the business, he continued his career as a truck driver. He retired from Beaufort Transfer in 1991.
In retirement he spent time doing what he loved best — reading, taking drives, maintaining his home, lawn, and vehicles. As Doris’s health began to fail, much of his time was spent being her loving caregiver.
Smiley was preceded in death by wife, Doris; parents, Earl and Myrtle; brother, Elbert “Frenchy;” sister, Alberta “Bertie” Winters; infant son, Mark; and son-in-law, Bob Altemeyer.
He is survived by daughters, Susan Altemeyer of Gerald, and Brenda Kosark (Randy) of Washington; grandchildren, Kari (Scott) Evans, Kris (Anita) Altemeyer both of Owensville, Zach (Laycie) Kosark of Washington, and Sam (Rachel) Kosark of Columbia; great-grandchildren, Logan, Layne, and Allison Evans, Max and Leo Altemeyer all of Owensville, Cayson and Camden Kosark of Washington, and Cooper Kosark of Columbia; and very special friend, Bernice Gruen of Gerald.
Smiley was loved dearly and will be missed. He shared many rich stories of growing up and his adventures as a truck driver. He had a quick wit and a sense of humor that stayed with him his entire life.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 10, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Gerald with Pastor Rhonda Winters officiating.
Memorials requested for St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.
