Everett Smith, 91, of Argenta passed away at 4:25 AM August 19, 2010 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Funeral service to celebrate Everett's life will be 11:00 AM Tuesday August 24, 2010 at Dawson & Wikoff North Funeral Home, Highway 51, Decatur. Visitation will be Monday August 23, 2010 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home, casual attire is requested by the family for visitation and funeral. Burial will be in Friends Creek Cemetery in Argenta with military rites. Condolences are to be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com
Memorials are suggested to Argenta United Methodist Church, Argenta Oreana Fire Department or Argenta Oreana Library.
He was born September 29, 1918 in St. Elmo, IL the oldest son of Charles and Hannah Smith. Due to his father's illness he worked the family farm at a very young age. He also worked in the oil fields near Vandalia. He was in CCC Camp in Baraboo, Wis. before enlisting in the Army in 1941. He was assigned to the 132nd Infantry Service Company, serving 4 years in the South Pacific Islands.
He was a member of the Argenta United Methodist Church, Odd Fellows for over 55 years, Argenta Fire Department, American Legion of Cisco, and volunteered over 30 years in the Boy Scouts of America and a member of Order of the Arrow. Everett will be buried in his beloved khaki pants. He was employed at Traver Supply where he retired in September of 1980. He was an avid coon hunter, fisherman, deer hunter and camper.
He married Helen Vaughan in 1945, she passed away in 1991 after 47 years of marriage. He married W. Jean Wilson in 1993 and shared 17 wonderful years together.
He is survived by his wife; four sons: Kenneth of Decatur, Corwin of Decatur, Morris and his wife Janet of Boody and Scott of Decatur; step daughter Robin Otero and her husband Ronald of Littleton, CO.; four grandchildren, one step grandchild and nine great grandchildren; sister Margaret of Kankakee; brothers Ralph of Cerro Gordo and Frank of Oreana; many nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, first wife Helen, sister Eileen, brothers Wayne, Gilbert, Leslie, Stanley, Elwin, Warren and Benjamin, one great granddaughter Valarie Pfeifer.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff and hospice program at DMH, along with the staff at McKinley Court Care Center.
Presentación de Diapositivas
Daddy and Everett weren't just sportsmen, they were truly master outdoorsmen. I am not sure if there are any left. Your pictures of the two of them says so much that at first I smiled and then tears came to my eyes. They shared a deep and respectful friendship that spanned the years. Oh how they loved Gatch Lake and coon hunting all night. It was a brotherly fellowship that few have in a lifetime and I thank God they had each other for so long. The pictures tell us all- time stands still for no man. When I took my last walk with Dad in the Argenta park they help get established, even then he would take a halting step, punch a hole in the group and drop a paw-paw seed in the ground and cover it up. He smiled up at me and said, "It's not what you gather while on this earth that counts, but what you share." Everett shared so much. There will be a hole in the fabric of the world with his passing.
Having grown up next door to Everett, his presence is a part of my childhood memories. I remember him as "a big teddy bear of a guy" with a big voice. My prayers are with all of you who he's left behind for a while. I hope you are able to find peace in your wonderful memories of Everett.
Sincerely,
Lesa Westerman
New York, NY 10009
| Mara Estero |
My Condolences for the Family |
May 14, 2011 |
WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES
Have you lost a loved one in death? The pain, the grief, and the feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable. At such times, we need to go to God’s Word for comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) The Bible helps us to understand how Jehovah and Jesus feel about death. Jesus, who perfectly reflected his Father, knew the pain of losing someone in death. (John 14:9) When he was in Jerusalem, Jesus used to visit Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, who lived in the nearby town of Bethany. They became close friends. The Bible says: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11:5) Though, Lazarus died. How did Jesus feel about losing his friend? The account tells us that Jesus joined Lazarus’ relatives and friends as they grieved over this loss. Seeing them, Jesus was deeply moved. He “groaned in the spirit and became troubled.” Then, the account says, “Jesus gave way to tears.” (John 11:33, 35) Did Jesus’ grief mean that he had no hope? Not at all. In fact, Jesus knew that something wonderful was about to happen. (John 11:3, 4) Still, he felt the pain and sorrow that death brings. In a way, Jesus’ grief is encouraging to us. It teaches us that Jesus and his Father, Jehovah, hate death. But Jehovah God is able to fight and overcome that enemy! Let us see what God enabled Jesus to do.
For more reference about this wonderful hope you can visit www.watchtower.org
| Smokey & Pamela Smith Ridgely |
Uncle Everett |
August 25, 2010 |
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of the camping gang and later with the deaths of my dad, mom and brother. Uncle Everett was always there for us. Thanks for the memories.....
| Deborah & Dennis Couture |
Our Condolences |
August 21, 2010 |
Jean, We are so saddened to hear of Everett's passing. We have fond memories of your visit to our mountain home all those many years ago. His voluntary service to our Country speaks highly of his character.
You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
| Deno and Lou |
Friends |
August 20, 2010 |
We have your families in our prayers.
