John “Jack” Smith, 91 of Paxton, passed away at 6:48 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton with military honors by Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150.
Visitation will be three hours before the funeral service from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the funeral home.
Jack was born April 3, 1932, in Clarence the son of William K. and Boeneta Newkirk Smith. He married Marsha Sypult March 1, 1957 in Paxton. She preceded him in death June 9, 2007. He married Wilma Brown Gibson September 27, 2008 at the Paxton Church of Christ. She survives.
Along with his wife, Wilma, he is survived by a son, Bryan (Sandy) Smith of Walworth, Wisconsin; a daughter, Angie (Roger) Marsh of Champaign; step-children, Stan (Sharon) Gibson of Scottsdale, AZ, Nancy (Mike) Krumwiede of Paxton; 1 granddaughter; 7 step grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Leila Swenson of Urbana.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Don, Dick and Bill Smith.
Jack graduated from Paxton High School. He served in the United States Army 1952-1954 and was in Korea during the war. Jack was a life-long farmer. During the winter, he worked for Paxton Farm Equipment and later was a school bus driver for the Paxton School District for many years.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paxton, served on the Board of Trustees and was a church usher. He attended the Paxton Church of Christ. Jack served on the Ford County Planning Commission, was a Button Township Trustee and a Drainage District Commissioner. He was a 30-year member of the Paxton Lions Club, a member of the Paxton American Legion Prairie Post 150 and the Paxton Chamber of Commerce. Jack co-chaired the Paxton Community Sale. He was a Golden Deed Award Recipient in 2012. He was also a very active member of the I & I Antique Tractor & Gas Engine Club.
Jack’s dream was to winter in Florida and that dream became a reality in 2000 when he bought a place in Estero, Florida.
Memorials may be made to the Paxton Church of Christ. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.
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