Jack R. Smith

Jack R. Smith, 63, of Springfield, formerly of Galesburg, died at 2:50 a.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Memorial Medical Center. Jack was born January 16, 1955, in Coffeyville, KS, the son of Billy and Juanita Drinkerd Smith. He married Catherine (Cathy) Miles on September 13, 1980, in Galesburg. Jack graduated from Galesburg Senior High and was employed as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for the Galesburg Sanitary District, retiring in 2014, after 38 years of service. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Galesburg and the Elks Lodge in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Chuck Berry; his mother-in-law, Verla Rylander; brother, James Smith; and sister, Judith Gibson. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Smith of Springfield; daughters, Rebecca (wife, Tish) Wanless of Springfield and Julia (husband, Ryan) Carls of Fisher; grandsons, Hunter Carls, Miles Wanless, and Jackson Wanless; brothers, John (wife, Mattie) Smith and Jeff (wife, Sara) Smith, both of Mobile Alabama; father-in-law, Lyle Miles of Galesburg; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne (wife, Angie) Miles, Karen (husband, Bruce) Crawford of Galesburg, and Roger (wife, Linda) Miles of Wataga; many nieces and nephews; and his dog, Bentley. Jack enjoyed traveling with his wife and family; his favorite destinations were Yellowstone National Park and Cocoa Beach FL. A good day included a cigar, cold beverage and an old Western or Star Trek episode. He was an avid history and science buff and loved to figure out how things were made. He loved the Green Bay Packers when they won and spent many great weekends at Lambeau Field with friends. After retirement, he filled his days caring for his grandsons and said it was the best part of his life. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., Springfield with Pastor Mary Zupansic officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Yellowstone Forever Memorial, P.O. Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 or online at Yellowstone.org. The memorial funds an educational endowment which brings underserved youth to Yellowstone Park; or to the Guardian Angels Humane Society, P.O. Box 94, Galesburg IL 61402, serving pets in the Galesburg community.