ROYCE D SMITH was born on August 6,1918, to Clarence D. Smith
and Lena Blakley Smith, on a farm north of McDonald, Kansas. He
received his education at a rural school, Lone Tree District 68,
near his home.
On October 5, 1938, Royce married Blanche Clark of Benkelman,
Nebraska. They lived on the family farm and maintained their
business of farming and operating an auto and machine shop.
Royce was always interested in antique autos and continued with
that hobby all his life. He was a member of the Tri-State Antique
Thresher Association and Antique Auto Club, of Bird City, Kansas, a
group he thoroughly enjoyed working with. Many miles and enjoyable
hours were spent in search of parts and visiting with friends in
all parts of the United States. Eight of his cars are in the
Tri-State Car Museum.
Royce and Blanche retired to Goodland, Kansas to be near their
children, Rex and Dale Smith of Goodland, Joyce Ginther of
McDonald, Linda Smith of Goodland and Debbie Crocker, formerly of
Good-land and now of LaConia, NH.
In July of 1987, Royce discovered he had cancer of the lungs. It
had already advanced so far by the time of its discovery that
treatment was of very little value. He died June 1, 1988. Royce
will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He leaves many
friends.
Submitted by his son, Dale Smith, P.O. Box 138, Bird City,
Kansas 67731.
LESLIE R. GRIMM of Sigel, PA. died December 22, 1987 at the age
of 63. Retired from trucking because of heart problems, he
converted his love for the big rigs to a passion for antique farm
tractors and small stationary engines. A wondrous wheeler-dealer,
he bought and sold parts and tractors through mail, telephone, and
ham radio all over Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio.
He meticulously restored a Fordson tractor and two John Deere
LA’s and was working on a McCormick-Deering F-20 which his son
plans to finish. He is survived by his wife, Julie, three sons:
Tom, John and Don, and three grandchildren. Granddaughter Jennifer,
11 months, was the light of his life.
Les and Julie were charter members of the Coolspring Hit and
Miss Engine Society and displayed in the Society’s annual June
Engine Show at Coolspring, PA. In his memory his family displayed
his tractors along with their own engines at this year’s 12th
annual show. A kind man, generous with his time and his expertise,
Les Grimm will be sadly missed by his family and many, many
friends.
Submitted by Joseph M. Miller, member of Coolspring Hit and
Miss Engine Society.
ROBERT WILLIAM BURNS, age 76, passed away July 1, 1988. He lived
in Dayton, Ohio and was a member of the Dayton Area Antique Engine
& Equipment Association. He attended many local shows and will
be missed by all who knew him. He enjoyed showing his engines and
visiting with his friends. He was also a member of the Urbana Steam
& Gas Show and visited the Portland, Indiana Show yearly.
Submitted by his son, John Bums, 570 W. Jefferson, New
Carlisle, Ohio 45344.
