R.W. Smith (93) formerly of St. Elmo

R.W. Smith, formerly of St. Elmo, IL passed away Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, in the company of family in Chatham, Illinois.

R.W. was born July 9,1930 to Robert and Emma Smith of Snomac, Oklahoma. Both parents are deceased. He was one of 9 children: James Armin Smith (Deceased), Robert Arvel Smith (Deceased), Shirley Maxine (Smith) Cook (Deceased), Geryl May (Smith) Wurl (Deceased), Norma Algea (Smith) Cole (Deceased), Charles Wayne Smith (Deceased), Beatrice Alberta (Smith) Cooper (surviving), and John Paul Smith (Deceased). The Smith family moved to St. Elmo, IL in 1939. He graduated from St. Elmo Community High School in 1950 and began working at Archer Daniels Midland in Decatur, IL. He heeded his country’s call on November 1,1951 and was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division (Love Company) after completing basic training at Camp Breckenridge, Ky. Upon completion he was sent to the Korean War effort where he served honorably earning two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Star awards. He completed his service to his Country receiving an Honorable Discharge on August 6, 1953. R.W. soon found the love of his life and married Mary Maxine [Bail] King (Deceased) on November 15, 1953. R.W. and Mary blended a family of Patricia Leigh King (Deceased) and Steven Douglas King with 3 new children Marcia Lynn (Smith) Bost, Beverly Kaye (Smith) Waltrip, and Rodney Layne Smith. R.W and Mary enjoyed 64 years of marriage until her passing on September 13, 2018. R.W. retired from A.D.M. after 42 years. Along the way he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Findlay, IL, First Baptist Church of Mt. Zion, IL and First Baptist Church of St. Elmo, IL. He was an Ordained Deacon and served that role for each congregation. He also was a member of the VFW Post 7676 of Altamont, IL and Weakley-Rowland Post 420 of St. Elmo, IL. He was a passionate fan of the Fighting Illini, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and any sporting team that included his children or grandchildren.

R.W. is survived by his sister Beatrice, by his children Steven (spouse Patty [Black]), Marcia (spouse Milton Bost), Beverly (spouse Gary Waltrip), Rodney (spouse Sherry [Graven]), many grandchildren, and even more great-grandchildren. R.W. will be long remembered as a follower of Christ, but also a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle (Uncle Dub), and grandpa.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday April 6, 2024, beginning at 1:00 pm and concluding at 2:30 pm proceeding the funeral services which both will be held at the Bethel Baptist Church, 1919 North 1000th East Road in Sharpsburg near Taylorville, Illinois. Christian and Military Burial Rites will be held after the funeral services in the Maplewood Cemetery, St. Elmo, Illinois next to his wife. Military Funeral Honors by the U.S. Army will be provided with assistance of Weekly-Rowland Post #420 and Grobengieser-Fischer Post 512. Anticipated family arrival at the Maplewood Cemetery would be 4:00 to 4:30 pm. Kull Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.