Ira Smith DVM

Ira Leon Smith, 84, of Moulton, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away September 8, 2026.
Born on May 6, 1942, Leon was the eldest son of Ishmael Leon Smith and Louise Hughes Smith.
After growing up in LaPorte, Texas, and graduating from LaPorte High School, Leon went on to attend Texas A&M University in College Station, serving two years in the Aggie Corps of Cadets and graduating from the School of Veterinary Medicine in 1965. 
He was then drafted into the United States Army in 1966 as a Lieutenant, quickly advanced to Captain, and served in South Korea as a food inspector for our troops. 
After completing his active duty in the Army, Leon began his veterinary career in South Houston at Bayshore Animal Hospital, alongside his fellow Aggie classmate and future brother-in-law, Roy (Jake) Jacoby. 
He then purchased the Briargrove Animal Clinic in 1969, and within a year joined into partnership with another classmate and good friend, Dr. Garry Guilloud. 
Leon took care of many animals during his career, but he also cared deeply about the people who brought those animals to him for care. 
He made many friends among his beloved clients, retiring in August of 2013.
Leon was a longtime member of Rotary International, in Houston’s Galleria Area Rotary Club, enjoying the job of Sargent-at-Arms. During that time, he made lasting friendships.
Boy Scouts of America has played an important part in Leon’s life. An Eagle Scout himself, he worked with scouts for decades, camping and hiking at Philmont Scout Ranch, canoeing, and helping them to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.  
His son, Lonny, and his grandson, David, as well as his granddaughters (yes, girls too!) achieved this rank. Leon took pride in the fact that both his daughters and all four of his granddaughters earned the Gold Award in Girl Scouting.
When Leon and Pat were married in September of 1969, they shared a love of the outdoors, nature, camping and growing things; so just after their third child was born they purchased a farm near Moulton. 
They loved living in the country and planned their retirement there, working the farm on weekends until that time came. 
As their children grew, Leon raised bees, ducks and bunnies in their backyard in Houston, and the family had a big vegetable garden at the farm.
Before retiring, Leon and Pat discovered a love for llamas, raising them and showing them, as well as leading a small group of 4-H kiddos, who trained the llamas and earned many awards at livestock shows, including HLSR.
If you knew Leon, you probably know that retirement was just a word to him. Leon worked harder at the farm than he ever had before. 
After raising cattle for a short time, he then planted over 500+ pecan trees, thousands of blackberry plants, and eventually an 8-acre vineyard. 
Leon wore many “hats” in his lifetime, and he has quite a collection of baseball caps to show for it!  His favorites were:  Smith Family Farm & Vineyard, This-N-That Lamas, Texas Aggies, and, of course, Philmont Scout Ranch.
Leon is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Smith; son, Lonny Smith; daughter, Sharon Smith Dworaczyk and husband Patrick, and their sons David and Peter; daughter, Carrie Smith Fasching and husband Douglas, and their daughters Tessa, Cora, Emma and Lia; sister Martha Hawk and husband Glenn; niece, Mary Jacoby; nephew, Roy Jacoby and wife Robin; and nephew, Michael Jacoby and wife Afsheen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Louise Smith; and brother, Lawrence Smith (Chief).
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 3 at Hallettsville Methodist Church, 206 South Dowling, Hallettsville, TX 77964.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Camper Scholarship Fund with Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Go online to www.philmontscoutranch.org and tap “Donate Now” in upper righthand corner. The Philmont phone number is (575) 376-2281. 
Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.shinerfuneralhome.com. 
Arrangements under the care and direction of Shiner Funeral Home.
Quote by Rabindranath Tragore: “The one who plants trees knowing he will never sit in their shade has at least started to know the meaning of life.”