Ronald Keith Smith

Ronald Keith Smith, 90, of Terre Haute, passed away on May 11, 2024 at The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care. He was born in rural Mt. Carmel, Illinois, the son of Clarence and Ruby Smith in 1933. He retired from Kraft Foods in 1992 with 30 years of service. Ron was a graduate of a one room grade school, Mt. Carmel, Illinois High School and the University of Evansville with a BS in business management. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Geneva Shain; one brother Adm. Philip W. Smith; his first wife, Beverly A. Smith; one son, Dennis K. Smith, Sr.; and his second wife Mildred K. Smith. He is survived by one daughter, Ronda Nelson and son-in-law John Nelson and their children Dane and Conner; Grandson, Dennis K. Smith Jr. and his wife Chelse and their daughter, Lakelynn; granddaughter Brook Blevins and her husband Nick and their five sons, Jerome, Jordan, Jaxton, Jaron, and Jayse, and one stepdaughter, Marilyn Northcross; one step granddaughter, Carrie Hunt and her husband Daniel with their children, Whitley, Cassie and Devin; and numerous nieces and nephews from the Mt. Carmel, Illinois area. Ron served three years in the Army and five years reserves during the Korean War conflict, stationed in Germany and is a 50 year member of the American Legion and V.F.W. Ron’s great grandfather, Joseph E. Smith and his grandfather, John W. Smith were both born Civil War Veterans from Company C Illinois 136 Regiment Volunteers from Centralia, Illinois. His brother Philip W. Smith was a retired Adm. Of the Navy from World War II. He was a Christian man, caring teacher, loyal friend, loving husband and father. He truly loved life and pursued his many interest with unmatched passion, zeal and joy. Ron’s past Masonic activities are numerous and possibility the most extensive in the state of Indiana as follow: Past Masters, Past Secretary, 50 year member of Jerusalem Lodge of Clinton. Past Grand Master of Indiana Grand Lodge of Freemassonry; Past Grand High Priest of Indiana Royal Arch Masons; Past High Priest of Terre Haute Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Past Illustorious Master of Terre Haute Council Royal and Select Masters; Past Commander of Terre Haute Commandery of Knights Templer; Past Most Wise Master of Terre Haute Valley of Scottish Rite Masons; Past Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine in Lafayette, Past Governor and founder of the Banks of the Wabash York Rite College; Past Eminent Preceptor of St. Andrew Tabernacle H.R.A.K. Templer Priest; Past Patron of Clinton Chapter #254 Order of Eastern Star; Past Potentate and Recorder of Zorah Shrine A.A.N.O.M.S. and he also was the founder of the Past Masters Club and Hilltoppers Club at Zorah Shrine. Honorary Masonic memberships include: The Grand Lodge “Caleb B. Smith” Medal of Honor, Job Daughters Cross of Honor, Rainbow Grand Cross of Honor, DeMolay Legion of honor, DeMolay Cross of Honor, Kentucky Colonel, Duke of Paducah, Admiral of the Nebraska Navy, 33 degree of Scottish Rite Masonry, Order of the Purple Cross of York Rite Masonry, Grand Representative of Indiana Grand Lodge to Georgia, Grand Representative for Indiana Royal Arch to Scotland, Grand Representative of Indiana Royal and Select Master to Western Canada, Representative of Indiana Grand Commandary Knight Templer to California. Other Masonic related memberships are: National Sojourners, Hero of 76, Allied Masonic Degrees, Yeomen of York, Indiana Council Knights Masons, Royal Order of Scotland, Knight York Cross of Honor, Kerman Grotto and Cabiri International. Ronald and his lady have been honored guest of several foreign Grand Masonic jurisdictions; The United Grand Lodge of England. The Grand Lodge of Scotland, the Grand Lodge of Ireland, the Grand Lodge of Alpine Switzerland and the Grand Lodge of Ontario in Canada. The family urges family and friends in place of flowers, which contributions be made to Jerusalem Lodge #99 Scholarship or Building Fund in his memory. Visitation will be on Wednesday May 15, 2024 from 4 PM to 8 PM at Roselawn Funeral Home. Masonic Lodge of Clinton will be performing services at 7:30 PM on Wednesday May 15th. Funeral Service will be Thursday May 16, 2024 at 11 AM with Rev. Laura McDonald officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Fond memories and condolences may be made at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net