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Howard R. Smith
1942 - 2025
BORN
1942
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Howard Smith Obituary
June 14, 1942 - September 21, 2025
NORMAL - Howard R. Smith, 83, of Normal, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 21, 2025, at The Loft Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Normal.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Brooks Grove Cemetery in Stanford, Ill. Military rites will be accorded by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting with arrangements.
Howard was born on June 14, 1942, a son to Harry and Esther Smith. He married Carol Babbs on March 22, 1974 in Bloomington. She preceded him in death in 2017, as did his son, Jason, in 2022.
He is survived by his son, Jeff (Tracy) Smith of Monticello, Ind.; brothers, Ralph Smith Armstrong of Osage Beach, Mo., Jim Smith and Walter Smith, both of Galesburg; four grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Howard spent part of his career at Caterpillar and later at the IRS office in Bloomington, retiring in 2004. In his later years, he enjoyed working at Schlotzsky's Deli.
Howard was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1964 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed listening to the CB radio and had a lifelong passion for playing the lottery, carefully collecting notepads to track the numbers he played. He also found joy in serving as a job coach alongside his son, Jason, at Cub Foods and Jewel-Osco, where his patience and care shone through.
Online condolences and memories of Howard may be left for his family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home1104 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61701
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