ZACHARY — The Smith family is mourning the loss of Lionel Smith, who passed away peacefully at 12:26 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him most.
Lionel, whose story touched hearts across the community after his son Bobby organized a birthday parade in his honor, had been battling stage four esophageal cancer since April. Despite the difficult journey, his final moments were marked by comfort, love, and family — the very things he valued most throughout his life.
Bobby shared a brief message of gratitude as the family begins to navigate their loss.
“We are making it. Dad was able to pass peacefully last night surrounded by his family. Thank you for everything you did for our family.”
The community that rallied around Lionel during his illness continues to extend prayers and support to the Smith family during this time.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family.
Funeral arrangements are are follows:
Public Viewing
Baker Funeral Home
Monday, December 1, 2025
5:00 – 8:00 pm (Central time)
Public Viewing
Concord Baptist Church
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
9:00 – 11:00 am (Central time)
Funeral Service
Concord Baptist Church
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Central time)
Graveside Service
Concord Baptist Church
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
12:00 – 12:30 pm (Central time)
A Drive of Love: Son organizes birthday parade for father battling stage 4 cancer
ZACHARY — When Bobby Smith started thinking about what to get his father, Lionel, for his upcoming birthday, he realized no gift could ever measure up to the man who had given him everything.
“Growing up, my dad was always the one that put family first and worked second,” Smith said. “As long as we had everything we needed, he was always around, very involved with us and everything we had going on with sports or hunting and fishing. He’s also always been big into cars, really anything with an engine. He’s just a big gearhead.”
Lionel Smith, a proud father of three and grandfather of five, has spent his life surrounded by family, engines, and the simple joys of hard work. But earlier this year, everything changed.
A Difficult Diagnosis | Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer
“In April, he ended up getting diagnosed with esophageal cancer,” Smith said. “He’s been battling that, and from that, he’s lost quite a bit of weight — just about all of his strength. He really can’t do anything more than just go to the doctor. Even taking a shower takes his breath away.”
Lionel has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy. While initial treatment seemed promising — doctors said his esophagus looked normal — a later surgery to adjust his feeding tube revealed that the cancer had spread to the lining of his abdomen.
“The doctor and the surgeon said that it’s treatable, but it’s incurable, as far as right now,” Smith explained.
A Birthday Parade to his Father to Remember
Despite the prognosis, Smith wanted to give his father a reason to smile, a day to feel celebrated and surrounded by love. So he decided to organize something that would mean the world to him — a birthday parade of cars, the very thing that has always brought Lionel joy.
The parade will roll out Sunday, October 19, starting at Zachary High School — just two houses down from Lionel’s home on North Main Street — and ending right at his driveway.
“I figured I’d try to set up more of an experience for him than just getting him a gift,” Smith said. “He can’t do much right now, but I thought this would be something special. Something that would let him see how loved he is.”
Smith has been spreading the word through social media, hoping to gather as many people — and cars — as possible.
“I know I had about 30 shares just on my Facebook post, and then I’m not sure how many times it’s been shared from other people’s posts,” he said. “Honestly, I don’t know how many people are actually going, but I’m really hoping that it’s just a whole lot of people.”
Community Support and Family Love
The plan is for everyone to meet and line up at Zachary High’s parking lot before heading down to Smith’s home, where he’ll be outside to watch the parade go by — a lineup of engines revving and hearts full of love.
“He’s not a very emotional man,” Smith said with a smile. “So I don’t think that he will shed a tear, but I know for sure that he’ll be very appreciative and excited to see everybody that comes out to support him — and to see the cars go by.”
After the parade, the Smith family will continue the celebration at home with all of Lionel’s children and grandchildren by his side. “We’re also celebrating his birthday Sunday,” he added. “He’ll have all his kids and grandkids over, so I think he’ll be in really good spirits.”
For the Smith family, this moment is about more than just a birthday — it’s about gratitude, love, and community. It’s about giving a man who’s given so much a day to feel that love in return.
A Community’s Chance to Give Back
To help support Lionel’s journey, the family has also set up a GoFundMe to cover the costs of wheelchair ramps and other necessities for his safety and comfort.
“Our Dad has been battling esophageal cancer since his diagnosis in April 2025,” the page reads. “Although the tumor in his esophagus is no longer present, the cancer has metastasized to the lining of his abdomen. With this has come many physical, emotional, and financial setbacks… We are so incredibly thankful for everyone who has reached out, the prayers, and the overwhelming support we have received over these past few months.“
For Smith, this parade is just one small way to honor the man who’s been his biggest inspiration.
“He’s always been there for us,” Smith said. “Now it’s our turn to be there for him.”
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