Bill Smith

William Martin “Bill” Smith, age 89, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 4:52 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2017 at his residence.

He was born April 5, 1928 in Mt. Sterling, Illinois the son of Elmer Dean and Gladys Emogene Carrol Smith.  He married Norma Jean Randall on April 1, 1954.  He later married Mary Oldfather Kelly on December 30, 1971 and she survives.

Mr. Smith served as manager for Barnes Super Value in Mt. Sterling for over 25 years and then worked for the maintenance department at Modern Manor Nursing Home in Mt. Sterling.  Earlier in life Bill was engaged in farming and had also worked as an electrician for Shields Appliance in Mt. Sterling.

He attended Hersman, Illinois schools.

Mr. Smith was a veteran of the Korean War having served his country in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Corporal.

He was a member of the Mt. Sterling Presbyterian Church of Christ.  Bill always enjoyed fishing, hunting mushrooms, traveling and attending tractor shows, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family.  When he was younger, Bill was known as an excellent musician who loved playing the guitar and mandolin. 

Survivors include his wife Mary Smith of Mt. Sterling.  2 children Cindy Diane Behrends (Bob) of Mt. Sterling and Steve Smith (Cindi) of Beardstown.  3 step children Konnie Kelly of Lincoln, Illinois, Kathie Davis (Joel) of Dallas, Texas and Chuck Kelly of Dallas, Texas.  1 brother Donald Smith (Geane) of Mt. Sterling.  18 grandchildren Jeremy and Jimmy Schrader, Katy Cochran, Chance and Sarah Kelly, Leia Askea, Matt Hart, Michele Follis, Billy Hart, Joe and Scott Behrends, Bobbi Sipes, Chris and Beth Behrends, Sarah and Dakota Smith and Lora and David Barron.  30 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters Mary and Joann in infancy, 1 step daughter Louella Byers and 1 grandson. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2017 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Richard Young officiating.

Burial will be in the Hersman Cemetery in Hersman, Illinois.   Military services will be conducted at the graveside.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Sterling Presbyterian Church of Christ.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.