Mr. Theodore J. Smocks, Jr.

Theodore James (Babe) Smocks, Jr. was born December 5, 1935 in Kansas City, Missouri to Theodore and Armenthia Smocks. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, LeRoy, Frank Smocks, Ronald and Leroy Oliver, sister, Dorris Quarles, son, Theodore J. Smocks III and Delbert DeWayne Smocks. Theodore married Lue Faye Pickens, to this union two sons were born. Friday, September 22, 2023, was their fifty-first wedding anniversary. He expressed his love to her and told her he was tired. Later that morning he was called home to be with the Lord. Theodore’s nickname growing up was June Baby. As a young man, a close friend of his started calling him Babe. The name became his by everyone. Theodore graduated from R. T. Coles Vocation School in 1955. He studied painting and drawing. He was always drawing on various things. He remained friends to many of his classmates. Theodore accepted the Lord at an early age. Baptized by the Reverend A. M. Hudson at Progressive Baptist Church. He was a member there for over sixty years. He loved to sing with the Male Chorus and even soloed a few times. He loved to praise the Lord. Any church he attended you would find him praising the Lord. He was a member of the Laymen’s Club, a trustee and a regular Sunday School member. He attended church until his health began to fail. Babe did not let anything upset him, no matter the situation or problem, he would always give thanks to the Lord. Babe worked for the City Of Kansas City’s Park and Recreation Department for over thirty years. He was a faithful, dedicated employee. Babe never drove a car, his mode of transportation was the bus. He could tell you where places are (restaurants in particular) and how to get there. Babe loved his family. He would call them to see how they were doing, especially on their birthday. He would call before 8 a.m. to wish them a Happy Birthday. He loved to watch football games on TV (KC Chiefs in particular). In his younger days he liked to dance. He learned to cook at a young age, his favorite thing to cook was BBQ. His greatest love was for God, his family and friends. Theodore leaves to cherish his memory a devoted and loving wife, Lue Faye; son, Kenneth Ray Pickens; sisters, Rosie Lee Smocks, Ruth Alexander (Dallas); sister-in-law, Georgia Smocks, brother-in-law, Billie Ray Pickens; grandchildren, Geovio, Trayvon, Jaylen, Lazhan, Tyler, Payton, Arieanna, Damaya; great grandchildren, Sophia and Alex; and a host of nephews and nieces, cousins and friends. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023, 11:00am at Progressive Baptist Church. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am-11am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com

Mr. Theodore J. Smocks, Jr.

December 5, 1935 - September 22, 2023