John Smith (72) of rural Newton

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Published on December 4 2016 7:16 am

John A. Smith, Jr. age 72 of rural Newton passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016 at his home.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 7 at the Redford Cemetery, Newton, Illinois with burial to follow.

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John was born on March 26, 1944 in Washington, D.C. the son of John Ambrose Smith, Sr. and Mildred Morrison Smith. John spent his life making music. His talents led him to play most any instrument with a string and he was often called “The Piano Man”. Through the years, he played with Clyde and The Boys and performed in the Oprys in Bible Grove, Montrose, and Edgewood. He performed twice at the Illinois State Fair. For many years, John enjoyed playing music for the residents in the nursing homes. John was a member of the Old Time Fiddlers. In his free time, John liked to weld and repair small engines.

John will be loved and remembered by his companion of thirty-eight years Sharon Kay Parkhurst and her family and his music friends.

His parents preceded him in death.