Leslie Walter Smith, 91, of Batesville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Our Hospice in Columbus, Indiana, with his daughter by his side.
Les was born on July 15, 1935, to Harvey J. and Velma (Holwadel) Smith. He graduated from Batesville High School in 1953.
Les met and married the love of his life, Virginia, on August 3, 1956. They shared 67 years of marriage until her passing in 2024.
Les dedicated 46 years of his career to Hill-Rom/Batesville Casket, working in Research and Development. He took great pride in his work, and his name appears on numerous patents. He retired in 1999.
Following retirement, Les and Virginia spent countless hours traveling throughout the United States with friends and family. Les enjoyed many hobbies, including visiting yard sales and auctions, where he loved finding a good bargain. He also continued to share his woodworking talents, often spending hours in his garage or basement surrounded by sawdust as he crafted picture frames, clocks, boxes, and other treasures. During the summer, he could often be found at the Batesville Farmers Market with his friend Paul Borchelt, selling their handmade wares.
Les was a lifelong member of Batesville United Methodist Church, joining in 1947. He was a faithful member of the congregation and served on various committees throughout the years. He and Virginia were also an important part of the church’s Annual Turkey Supper for 26 years. Les often joked that he was the church’s longest-living member and that he had sat in the same pew for all those years, rarely missing a Sunday.
Les was an avid sports fan, but basketball held a special place in his heart. His love for the game began during his high school years, when he played for the Batesville Bulldogs. In 2020, he was honored at the school’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Les didn’t just love basketball—he truly understood the game. He shared that knowledge and passion as a coach in the Biddy Basketball League, where he coached fifth- and sixth-grade players. His love of the game was something he happily shared with anyone who would listen, but especially with his son, Michael, who also played basketball for Batesville.
Years later, Les’s passion for basketball continued through his granddaughter, Stephanie, who worked in a media role with the Big Ten Network covering Purdue men’s basketball in the mid-2010s. Les was a familiar face at Batesville basketball games and could often be found watching the legendary Bob Knight’s Hoosiers on television. In more recent years, he enthusiastically cheered for the Purdue Boilermakers and Indiana Fever. His knowledge and understanding of the game were truly something to be admired.
Above all, Les treasured his role as Papau to his granddaughter. He loved telling everyone that she was his favorite. In his final months, he also enjoyed having her beloved dog, Lambert, spend time with him.
Les was a man of strong faith who believed he had lived a good life. His faith, love of family, dedication to his community, and passion for the things he enjoyed will be remembered by all who knew him.
Les is survived by his son, Michael Smith, and his daughter, Beth Smith (PJ Weisenbach), both of Batesville; his granddaughter, Stephanie Smith, of Chesterton, Indiana; his brother-in-law, Ralph Zimmer; his sister-in-law, Judy Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Velma Smith; his stepmother, Thelma Bertram; his brother and sister-in-law, Wilbur and Edith (Smith) Zimmer; his brother-in-law, Paul Smith; his nephew, Darren Zimmer; and Heather (Braun) Walls.
Visitation to celebrate Les’s life will be held Thursday, August 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, at Batesville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Chris Renick officiating. Burial will follow at the United Methodist Cemetery in Batesville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Batesville United Methodist Church.
You may leave a memory or message of comfort for Les’s family in the online guestbook at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.