Lester Gilbert Smith

Lester Gilbert Smith, 92, of Springfield, formerly of Chatham and Edinburg, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at St. Johns Hospital. He was born March 14, 1926, in New Berlin to Gilbert and Elsie Herr Smith. He married Betty Poor on February 21, 1948. Lester was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Harper, twin grandsons, Scott and Allen Smith, brothers Marvin and James Smith and sister Zada Hunt. Mr. Smith farmed until 1990 in the Chatham and Edinburg areas and was a member of the Farm Bureau. He and his wife moved to Florida after retirement, then moved back into the area to be near family. He loved to play golf and enjoyed card games, especially pinochle. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 70 years, Betty; son, Michael (Marcia) Smith of Chatham; grandchildren, Adam (Kim) Smith of Mapleton, IL and Kara (Zach) Pierson of Chatham; great grandchildren, Addison, and Savannah Smith and Stella Pierson. His family will greet friends from 9am until the time of the funeral service at 11am, Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL, 62629, with Pastor David Harmon officiating. Burial will be in Auburn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Chatham Fire Protection District, 1 Firemans Square, Chatham, Illinois, 62629 or Lewis Memorial Christian Village for their Faith Chapels, 3400 West Washington Street, Springfield, Illinois, 62711.