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Jerry D. Smith

Jerry D. Smith

Jerry D. Smith, 85, of New Athens, IL, born March 21, 1937, in Belleville, IL, passed away on Thursday February 23, 2023, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis. MO. He retired from Peabody Coal after 32 years.  Jerry enjoyed flying, fishing, hunting and trapshooting.  He loved his family dearly and was proud of all their accomplishments.  He went to many sport events involving his kids, grand and great grandkids but he never knew a referee or umpire that wasn’t blind!  His favorite food was chocolate and more chocolate.  Some old friends called him “Leroy” – inside joke!  Jerry will be missed by family, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Arlie and Dorothy (Doak) Smith, a daughter – Kathy A. Berry, two brothers – Raymond Smith (in infancy) and Daniel M. Smith and sister – Arlene (Ralph) Dykes.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 67 years – the former Carol J. Triefenbach, whom he married on July 23, 1955, in Darmstadt, IL, children – Kevin (Brenda) Smith of Columbia, IL and Kelli (Gerald) Walkington of Shiloh, IL, siblings – Edward (Mae) Smith of Belleville, IL, Katie (Noal) Sinn of Stillwater, OK, John (Linda) Smith of Ava, IL, Dennis Smith of Morganfield, KY and sister-in-law – Suzie Smith of Evansville, IN, grandchildren – Jason (Ty) Smith of Belleville, IL, Kristin (Steve) Bielke of New Athens, IL, Danielle (Mick) McCahill of Dorsey, IL, Kaitlin Berry and Kevin Berry, both of Dallas, TX, Sara (Chris) Ruiz, of Austin, TX, Sydney Jenkins of Dallas, TX, Ryan Walkington  of Caseyville, IL and Adam Walkington of O’Fallon, IL, great grandchildren – Ethan and Aubrie Smith, Isaiah and Mason Page, Cameron and Payton Bielke and Maizy McCahill and by many nieces and  nephews  He will be missed by special friends – Wendy and Steve Berry of Wimberly, TX and Lu and Josef Wyrwal of New Braunfels, TX.

Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or to BJC Hospice.

In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, cremation is to take place.

Visitation: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday March 18, 2023, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL.

Memorial Service: 12 p.m. on Saturday March 18, 2023, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL with Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

 

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  1. Marty & Lin Walkington says:

    Uncle Lin remembers Jerry as a great guy and fondly remembers the visits he had with him from time to time. Our sympathy to the family. We plan to be at his service on March 18.

  2. Belinda and Clayton Kennedy says:

    It was sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. When we were neighbors, Jerry used to always have a treat in his top pocket for our beloved, and now deceased dog, Reina. It is comforting to think that these two are re-united. Reina probably greeted Jerry at the pearly gates – her tail a-wagging.

  3. Bruce Lischer says:

    My condolences to the Smith family. Jerry was great guy, always enjoyed talking to him at the ballgames.

    • Carol says:

      Thanks Bruce. Jerry enjoyed those ballgames.

      • Christy Range says:

        Our deepest sympathies for you all. What a great man he was.
        Cherish all the good times you had with him.
        Peace and love
        Rick,Christy, and
        the Range kids

        • Laurie Aitken Parker says:

          Carrol sorry to hear about Jerry. I will always remember the Supper Club crowd that came to the house and all the fun you always had. Prayers for all

        • Carol says:

          Thanks Range Family!

  4. Cathy Sinn Flowers says:

    Carol, Kevin, and Kelli, I am so sorry about the passing of your husband/father. May he Rest In Peace, and may you be consoled by happy memories of him.

  5. Robert Kearns says:

    Deepest condolences to Carol and family. Jerry was always fun to talk with. He will be missed.
    Rest in peace my friend.

    • Carol says:

      Thanks Bob and Donna. Your thoughts are appreciated.

      • Sandy Raban says:

        Carol and family, We send our condolences to you and all your family. We ask God’s comfort for you. Charlie and Sandy Raban and Virginia Coulson

  6. Diane Weilmuenster says:

    Deepest Sympathy to Carol and family. Enjoyed sharing our time with you both at Freeburg State Baseball.

14 Comments

  1. Deepest Sympathy to Carol and family. Enjoyed sharing our time with you both at Freeburg State Baseball.

    Reply
    • Thanks Diane. It was a great season !

      Reply
  2. Deepest condolences to Carol and family. Jerry was always fun to talk with. He will be missed.
    Rest in peace my friend.

    Reply
    • Thanks Bob and Donna. Your thoughts are appreciated.

      Reply
      • Carol and family, We send our condolences to you and all your family. We ask God’s comfort for you. Charlie and Sandy Raban and Virginia Coulson

        Reply
  3. Carol, Kevin, and Kelli, I am so sorry about the passing of your husband/father. May he Rest In Peace, and may you be consoled by happy memories of him.

    Reply
    • Thank you for caring.

      Reply
  4. My condolences to the Smith family. Jerry was great guy, always enjoyed talking to him at the ballgames.

    Reply
    • Thanks Bruce. Jerry enjoyed those ballgames.

      Reply
      • Our deepest sympathies for you all. What a great man he was.
        Cherish all the good times you had with him.
        Peace and love
        Rick,Christy, and
        the Range kids

        Reply
        • Thanks Range Family!

          Reply
        • Carrol sorry to hear about Jerry. I will always remember the Supper Club crowd that came to the house and all the fun you always had. Prayers for all

          Reply
  5. It was sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. When we were neighbors, Jerry used to always have a treat in his top pocket for our beloved, and now deceased dog, Reina. It is comforting to think that these two are re-united. Reina probably greeted Jerry at the pearly gates – her tail a-wagging.

    Reply
  6. Uncle Lin remembers Jerry as a great guy and fondly remembers the visits he had with him from time to time. Our sympathy to the family. We plan to be at his service on March 18.

    Reply

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