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.

1. Marty & Lin Walkington says:

   03/11/2023 at 10:58 am

   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
2. Belinda and Clayton Kennedy says:

   03/09/2023 at 2:48 pm

   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
3. Bruce Lischer says:

   02/27/2023 at 8:32 am

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

   Reply
   • Carol says:

     03/01/2023 at 3:56 pm

     Thanks Bruce. Jerry enjoyed those ballgames.

     Reply
     • Christy Range says:

       03/02/2023 at 10:33 am

       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
       • Laurie Aitken Parker says:

         03/22/2023 at 9:13 pm

         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
       • Carol says:

         03/04/2023 at 8:24 am

         Thanks Range Family!

         Reply
4. Cathy Sinn Flowers says:

   02/26/2023 at 11:21 pm

   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
   • Carol says:

     03/01/2023 at 3:59 pm

     Thank you for caring.

     Reply
5. Robert Kearns says:

   02/26/2023 at 7:28 pm

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

   Reply
   • Carol says:

     03/01/2023 at 4:02 pm

     Thanks Bob and Donna. Your thoughts are appreciated.

     Reply
     • Sandy Raban says:

       03/15/2023 at 10:59 pm

       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
6. Diane Weilmuenster says:

   02/26/2023 at 6:09 pm

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

   Reply
   • Carol says:

     03/01/2023 at 4:04 pm

     Thanks Diane. It was a great season !

     Reply