Jack D. Smith

Jack had a good start in life, growing up on Eleventh Street in the south end of Havana. The neighborhood--bound by the bridge on the north, the highway on the east and the south, and the river on the west-was filled with families headed by good, hardworking parents. It was large enough to allow Jack the freedom to explore, yet small enough for him to do it safely. The same people on which he polished his natural wit and sense of humor were the same ones who could easily report his shenanigans to his parents. Those were challenging years for young families, with the Depression followed by the war years. Jack was born on December 29, 1939, just as one was ending and the other beginning. Stability and love at home were essential, and Otis and Orlana more than met that need for their children, and for their grandchildren, many of whom called the neighborhood home too. There can be no doubt that Jack loved his family with all his heart, or that he loved his hometown and this country. His actions and his wardrobe proclaimed it loudly and proudly! The loss of "Uncle Jack" is deeply felt by all of his surviving nieces and nephews. Growing up, he was an ever-present part of their lives, especially during the many large family gatherings that were held throughout the year. He told great stories and was a lot of fun to be around. He was just enough of a prankster and agitator to keep them entertained, but not get them in too much trouble. He always lived close by and showed a genuine interest in their lives. He was a good companion to have at country music concerts, movies and WWF wrestling events, on shopping trips, during meals eaten in restaurants, and during quiet afternoons spent at his home watching movies and episodes of favorite TV programs. He loved being a great uncle, too. Uncle Jack will be missed. Without a doubt, the one who will miss Jack the most is Tony. Long before the phrase "mini-me" became popular, it could have been used to describe the relationship between father and son. Tony was at the center of Jack's life, always. The pride and joy Jack felt in his son rolled off of him in waves. There was plenty of parenting to be done over the fifty-one years they had together, but also a lot of companionship and sharing of life's ups and downs. Saying goodbye weighed heavy on Jack's mind and in his heart, but now it's time for him to rest in peace. Tony will be okay, he has family, friends and Lisa. ---------------------------------- Jack D. Smith, 85, of Peoria, passed away at OSF-St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria at 1:31 a.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025. He was born in Havana on December 29, 1939, to Otis O. and Orlana M (Williams) Smith. He graduated from Havana High School in 1957, then enlisted and proudly served in Navy. Jack worked for Caterpillar for 33 years, but over the years he also held part-time positions with the City of Havana, Coast to Coast hardware store in Morton, Home Depot in Peoria, and Lowes in East Peoria. He married Reta Schaeffer Wallace in 1970 and they had a son, Tony, before they divorced. Jack is survived by his son, Roy Anthony "Tony" Smith of Peoria; stepsons Wayne Wallace of Moncks Corner, South Carolina and Dave Wallace of Bartonville, Illinois; stepdaughter Renee Shannon of Battle Ground, Washington. He is also survived by a sister, Alta (Jess) Hackett of East Peoria, Illinois; thirteen nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Dawnie List, Roy Richard Smith, Lois Giebelhausen, and Sally Jackson; one nephew and one niece. Jack was very generous and loved to give gifts; Christmas was his favorite holiday! To honor his memory and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Toys for Tots. A graveside service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at VFW Post #6408 located at 415 W Adams Street in Havana. Pallbearers: Paul Gann, Dave Wallace, Wayne Wallace, Nick Bruns, Damon Hackett, Jeff Giebelhausen, Rusty Sarnes, and Shawn Beaty (honorary). Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of the arrangements.