Gerald W. Smith

Gerald W. Smith, 67, passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2011 after a short illness. He was born February 16, 1943 to Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Smith of Rockford, Illinois. He attended Church School, Roosevelt Jr. High and West Senior High School graduating in 1961. He was employed by Globe Imperial form 1961 to 1963, by Beechnut Lifesaver Corp. from 1963-1965, by Willwood Burial Park form 1965to 1976, by Highland Garden of Memories from 1976 to 1980 and by Sunset Memorial Gardens from 1980 until he retired in 2004. He also held a Real Estate License and sold Real Estate part time. He also volunteered his time at the Winnebago Center for the Blind. Gerald enjoyed boating, gardening and had a passion for the Lord. He was married to Donna Rexroat in Rockford, Illinois on September 12, 1965. Survivors include his son Gregory Smith, daughter, Tonya (Bradford) Smith-Barker, two grandchildren Makenna and Matthew Barker, sisters, Joyce Vincent and Cheryl Jessup along with numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of fresh flowers, the family is requesting perennial plants, seedlings or donations to Kids around the World or the Winnebago Center for the Blind. Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL, 61115. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Tributes to the family at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.