Leon C. Smale, 90, of Kunkletown, passed away on Wednesday, February 14 in Brookmont Health Care Center, Effort.

He was the husband of the late Catherine E. (Kromer) Smale.

Born in Kunkletown, he was a son of the late William and Lizzie (Gower) Smale.

Leon was a crane operator at Bethlehem Steel for thirty seven years until retiring in 1989. Prior to that he had worked on the family farm and at the New Jersey Zinc Co. He had also been a truck driver for Imbt, a coal truck driver and an Eldred Township school bus driver.

He was a WW II Army veteran.

Leon was a member of Jerusalem United Church of Christ in Trachsville, the Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Co. and the Kunkletown Rod and Gun Club. Leon loved to hunt. He was known as the "Mayor of Kunkletown."

He is survived by five daughters, Mary Meckes of Kunkletown, Linda Nace of Lehighton, Betty Lou Van Horn of Kunkletown, Kathy Ann McHugh of Saylorsburg and Leona LaSala of Kunkletown; three sons, Earl Smale of Kunkletown, Barry Smale of Kunkletown and Chris Smale of Coopersburg; twenty one grandchildren, twenty seven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, David Smale.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Monday, February 19 from Jerusalem UCC with Rev. Kathryn Foster officiating. Burial will follow in Jerusalem Union Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2158 N. Main Ave., Stroudsburg, PA 18360.

The Kresge Funeral Home, 1763 Route 209 Brodheadsville, is in charge of arrangements.

www.kresgefuneralhome.com