Lynnel "Butch" Smith

Lynnel “Butch” Smith, 59, of Bloomington, passed away at 2:45 a.m. on Monday, November 29, 2010 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

He was born May 5, 1951 in Nashville, TN, son of Carroll and Clara Watson Smith. Lynnel served his country in the Marine Corps, serving in the Vietnam War. He received a Purple Heart and other commendations for his service. During his service from 1969-1970, Butch established a close bond with a group of fellow marines and they called themselves the “Band of Brothers.” He was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 454 in Bloomington.

He married Cynthia C. Sellberg December 19, 1992 in Stanford, IL. Surviving are his wife of Bloomington and two daughters, Moleena Smith and Alexis (Austin) Anderson; one son, James (Kim) Smith; one step-daughter, Tina Mattingly; four granddaughters, Cheyenne Anderson, Adelia Mattingly , Skyler Whitcomb and Christina Sizemore and one grandson on the way, Bryson Lynnel Anderson. Also surviving are one brother, Greg (Sue) Smith; four sisters, Carol (John) Vaden, Tina Vasquez, Penny Russell, and Annette (Rocky) Roach, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Claire Watson Smith.

Lynnel enjoyed a long career as a grain operator for 22 years for Cargill Inc., before retiring in 2005. He also served as president for the Grain Millers Local 303 for 12 years.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 6, 2010 at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington. Pastor Bob Sherman will officiate the services. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2010 also at East Lawn Funeral Home. Burial will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington

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Memorials may be submitted to The American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be submitted to www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com.