Earl Lewis Smith

PETERSBURG, IL - Earl Lewis Smith, 92, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2015, surrounded by his family at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Petersburg.

Earl was born March 28, 1923, to Albert and Frieda Smith in Petersburg, Ill. He attended Farmers Point Grade School and Harris High School in Petersburg. He married Margaret (Griffin) and they had 72A½ years together. She survives.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, serving in England, France and Germany. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Greenview, Ill.

Earl retired from Pillsbury Mills after over 40 years.

He is also survived by his children: Dennis (Linda) of Jefferson City, Mo., Carol (Steve) Miller of Sherman, Jan (Hal) Bast of Springfield, David (fiancAC.e, Tricia) of Houston, Texas. He leaves to cherish his memory, nine grandchildren: Craig Smith, Kerri Smith, Kim Clementich, Terri Stocker, Doug Rapp, Jerod Bast, Jenni Durbin, CJ Smith and Dalton Riley; 26 great-grandchildren; as well as good friend and cousin, Ralph Kennedy of Taylorville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles; sister, Helen Thornley; son-in-law, Duane Rapp; and countless friends.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 9, 2015, from 10 a.m. until the time of Masonic Services at 10:45 a.m. at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester. Memorial services will follow with Pastor Brian Durbin officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Shriners Hospital for Children , Sunny Acres Nursing Home Staff Appreciation Account or Memorial Home Services Program.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Sunny Acres and Memorial Hospice Program for their loving care afforded during Earl's final days.

Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Rochester, IL 62563 is in charge of arrangements. Visit our online obituary at www.wilsonparkfuneralhome.com.