Evan Michael Smith

1998 - 2026

Evan Michael Smith
Born: September 2, 1998 in Montgomery, AL
Died: February 17, 2026 in LaFollette, TN
With shattered hearts, we share the passing of our beloved son, Evan Michael Smith, on February 17, 2026, at the age of 27, in Caryville, Tennessee.
Evan was born on September 2, 1998, in Montgomery, AL to John T. and Teresa (Thomas) Smith Jr. He married Lyndsie Moates on October 16, 2023. She survives.
From the moment Evan came into our lives, he brought a strength and warmth that defined him from the very beginning. He was an old soul, with a larger-than-life personality. He was one of the greatest blessings we have ever known. Watching him grow into the man he became was an honor we will forever cherish.
Evan loved deeply and wholeheartedly. His wife was the love of his life, and he was never happier than when he was by her side. Evan was an amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He treasured his family and friends, showing his love, not just in words, but in his loyalty, his time, and his steady presence. To be loved by Evan was to know, without doubt, that he would always be there for you.
He found peace outdoors – fishing, hiking, and breathing in the air from the mountains. Nature was where his soul was most at rest. Evan was also courageously training to become a Caryville, Tennessee firefighter (529), driven by his desire to serve and protect others. That calling reflected who he was at his core, brave, compassionate, and willing to run toward danger to help others.
Evan attended Streator Grade Schools, Hammitt at the Babyfold in Normal, IL, and graduated from Woodland High School.
Evan is survived by his wife, Lyndsie, and his beloved dog SilverMist.
Also surviving is his mother Teresa (Anthony) Smith-Reynolds of Manville, siblings, Ashleigh Shenefield of Granville, Dallas Smith of Grant Park, Samantha Reynolds of Streator, Mary-Katlyn Smith of Manville, Khloe Reynolds of Bay St. Louis, MS, nephews, Kane and Greyson, a niece, Avianna, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, grandparents, Terry Smith of Streator and Charlotte Reynolds of Benton, WI.
He is preceded in death by his beloved cat Tobias, his father, John T. Smith, Jr, and his grandparents, Carl and Evelyn Thomas, John T. Smith Sr. and John Reynolds.
Evan carried burdens that were not always visible. Though he was so strong in so many ways, he struggled silently with battles we wish we could have taken from him. In the end these struggles became too heavy for him to bear. No words can express the depth of his pain, but we want everyone to remember that Evan's life was so much bigger than the way it ended. He was loved fiercely. He mattered immensely and always will.
We will miss his voice, his laughter, his humor, his stories, and the way he hugged us tightly. There is a space in our hearts that will always belong to him.
A service to honor Evan's life will be held on March 1, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM, at the Winterrowd Funeral Home, with burial following in Riverview Cemetery.
In his memory, we ask that you hold your loved ones close, speak openly about mental health, and never be afraid to ask for help.
Your wings may have been ready, but we were not. We love you Evan, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Winterrowd Funeral Home
305 S. Park St.
Streator, IL 61364
815-672-2703
www.winterrowdfh.com