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Joel G. Smith
1960 - 2025
BORN
1960
DIED
2025
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Joel Smith Obituary
June 15, 1960 - December 9, 2025
Joel G. Smith passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in St. Louis, Missouri.
Joel bravely fought Glioblastoma for 2 years in Scottsdale, Arizona, while his loving wife also battled cancer. The best Dad, Husband, Son and Brother one could ask for, he was a pillar in his family and could always be relied upon for help, levity or presence in your life.
Born to Nelson "Jack" Smith and Stella Smith (Lavelle) in Leonardtown, Maryland, on June 15, 1960, Joel was the third oldest of 6 kids raised in St. Charles County, Missouri.
He attended Francis Howell High school in Weldon Spring and moved to Pontiac, Illinois, in 1988, for a job at Caterpillar Inc. He finally moved to Arizona in 2023 to seek treatment at Mayo Clinic.
The penultimate family man and the foundation of his household, Joel married Diane Wagner in 1994, and they were married for 30 years until her death in 2024. He was a caring and devoted father to his sons, Luke and Logan.
He will be remembered for his smile, strength, determination and playfulness.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Smith; mother, Stella Smith; father-in-law, Bill Wagner; and brother, Eric Smith.
He is survived by his father, Jack Smith; mother-in-law, Kay Wagner; sister, Sue Hoernschemeyer; brother, Mark Smith; sisters, Annie Dunavan and Sarah Smith; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held prior to the service the same day from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow the service at Elmwood Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St Jude.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.
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Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory - Elmwood702 West Main, Elmwood, IL 61529
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