Leonard Smoot

Leonard Smoot was born on August 25, 1948, in Akron, Ohio, to Velma Smoot and the late Timothy Smoot. He was a proud graduate of Garfield High School in Akron, where his discipline, leadership, and strong work ethic were already evident.

Leonard was deeply shaped by his early involvement in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction that reflected his lifelong commitment to discipline, perseverance, and service.

He began his career working in Akron’s rubber industry, including positions with B.F. Goodrich Rubber & Tire Company. As the industry evolved, Leonard made the intentional decision to return to school, completing coursework at Kent State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Leonard later relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he built a long and respected career in financial services. Through his work in investments, annuities, and insurance—most notably through Midwest Annuities—he served individuals and families across Ohio for more than 40 years, helping clients establish financial stability and long-term security. He was known for his professionalism, precision, and commitment to excellence.

Hanshi George E. Anderson’s era of leadership helped shape Akron’s dojo lineage, and Leonard was promoted to 3rd degree black belt under his leadership. Leonard’s leadership at the dojo helped bring disciplined karate and Taekwondo training into the community during a period of growth and expansion. He did not treat martial arts as a hobby; he treated it as a standard for living—grounded in self-control, resilience, accountability, and inner strength that stayed with students long after they left the mat.

Leonard maintained an active lifestyle and lifelong commitment to health and fitness. He enjoyed tennis, racquetball, and long-distance cycling, often riding extensive distances. In his later years, he became an avid yoga practitioner, lifting weights and other forms of working out, continuing to prioritize balance, strength, and well-being.

As a father, Leonard emphasized confidence, persistence, responsibility, independence, and preparedness. He was known as a helpful presence—someone neighbors and their children—Grasshoppers—trusted and respected. As a grandfather, he was affectionately known first as “Grandpa Batman” and later “PaPa”. Many affectionately refer to him as Batman now.

Leonard Smoot lived a full, complex, and purposeful life. He was disciplined, resilient, intelligent, and strong. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled, the lives he impacted, and the family he loved.

Leonard passed away on December 13, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He is survived by his mother, Velma Smoot; children Patricia Smoot Wicks, Shaun Smoot (Charlene), Nicholas Smoot (Tasha), and Stephanie Sears (Adrian); his grandchildren: Madilyne Wicks, Shaun Smoot Jr., Nicholas Smoot Jr., Sydney Smoot, Nala Smoot, and Arianna Sears; his siblings: Thomas Smoot, Donna Walters, and a special cousin, Deborah Williams; and Ann Smoot with whom he shared many years and raised their children together; and a host of extended family members, friends, and colleagues.

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