Lester Smith

Lester Ridgeway Smith 81, of Vinita, passed away September 28, 2021, in a Tulsa Hospital with his family at his side. He was a lifelong resident of Craig County, born March 31, 1940, in Big Cabin, Oklahoma to Howard and Georgia (Terry) Smith. Lester was a member of the Apostolic Life Church of Vinita and was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. He was employed by many Coal companies in the area. Lester retired early from the Vinita COOP due to medical problems. His most important job though was Grandpa or “Pops” as he was called. Lester enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of the Craig County Bow Hunters Club. He loved telling jokes.

Lester is preceded in death by his parents, a sister Joyce Goodwin, an infant son, brother-in-law Bill Windle and daughter-in-law Pauletta Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Barbara (Jennings) Smith, children, Marty Mahan and wife Debbie, Sterling smith and wife Lesia, Lory Daniels and husband Keith, Dexter Smith and Gary Mahan and wife Jolene, eleven grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, sister Leona Windle, brother-in-law W.A. Goodwin, several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Services will be 10:00 am Saturday, October 2, 2021, at the Apostolic Life Church 302 N Miller St  Vinita, Oklahoma.

Arrangements are under the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home, Vinita, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or on our Luginbuel Funeral Home Facebook page.