Lester W Smith

Lester W. Smith, also known as “Stinky the Clown”, 72, of Fairview Heights, IL peacefully passed away at his residence on June 9, 2017 at 12:05 a.m. surrounded by family and with the love of his life, Peggy J. Smith, lying beside him. Lester was born July 6, 1944 in Vincennes, IN to Flo Maxine Schultz and Ralph Smith. He married Peggy Cox on September 27, 1974.

Mr. Smith was a member of S.E.C.A., Gator Clowns of Jacksonville, C.O.A., and the St. Louis Clowns of America and was a faithful member of the Westview Baptist Church in Swansea, IL. Lester was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1967. He worked for the B & O / CSX Railroad for 36 years, retiring in 2005. After his retirement, Lester dedicated his life to his faith, his family, and touching the lives of children through his Christian clowning ministry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Flo Smith; a sister Laura Mae Smith; 2 brothers, Kenny Smith and Ralph “Jimmy” Smith.

Lester is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Peggy J. Smith; 7 sons, Douglas (Sherry) Smith, Bradley Smith, John Clements, Randy Clements, Tony (Debbie) Clements; Zachary (Allicia) Miller, Daniel Ragon; 2 foster sons, Bobby Nodine and Ronnie Eads; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Charles Smith of Bainbridge, IN, Dale Smith of New Orleans, LA, and Butch Smith of Flat Rock, IL; 3 sisters, Evelyn Catt of Vincennes, IM, Doris Ferguson of Plainfield, IN, and Donna Perez of St. Bernard, LA.

Memorials in Lester’s name may be made to the Westview Baptist Church Building Fund, 2500 Sullivan Dr., Swansea, IL 62226. Online condolences may be expressed directly to his wife at [email protected] or at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com

A celebration of his life will be held at Westview Baptist Church in Swansea on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.