Eugene Dale Smith

Eugene Dale Smith, 91, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 7, 2025, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois. He was born on October 23, 1933, in Rockport, Illinois, to Newton Smith and Alma Pearl Fitzpatrick Smith. After Alma's untimely death, Gene was raised by his maternal grandparents, James Fitzpatrick and Lilly Belle Cobb Fitzpatrick. Though his childhood was marked by poverty, Gene developed a quick wit and a kind sense of humor that would stay with him his whole life. In 1953, Gene joined the United States Marine Corps, serving until 1956. As a sergeant, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. On August 29, 1959, he married Twila Jean Walker. Always quick with an idea, Gene first courted Twila by offering to pay her-at a fair rate-to do his laundry. An obvious grift, but one she willingly played along with. Later, when the two discussed marriage and living together, Twila declared that the modest home would need some upgrades first. As luck would have it, Gene had been planning the same-and all the money he had paid her for laundry turned out to be the perfect budget to get them started. Gene began his career at Stark Bro's Nurseries before becoming the owner and operator of Tittsworth Melons, which he ran through the early 1990s into the early 2000s. An avid gardener, Gene could often be found in his produce and flower gardens, especially enjoying hybridizing his roses and experimenting with new watermelon varieties. If the weather kept him indoors, Gene would turn to another favorite pastime: good-naturedly pestering everyone, all the time. It was always playful, always funny, and-if we're honest-still kind of aggravating how good he was at it. It will be missed. Above all, Gene loved his family. He was especially delighted when all his children and grandchildren were together. Quick with a joke or a witty story, he would lead the family in laughter, then remind them how lucky they were-and how S.O.L. they would be without his 'Twila Jeanie Bean.' Gene is survived by his wife, Twila; one brother, William Thomas Smith; three sons, Jerry (Tammy) Smith of Vandalia, Missouri, Kevin (Charlene) Smith of Hull, Illinois, and Mike (Stephanie) Smith of Mount Sterling, Illinois; eleven grandchildren: Heath (Jamie) Smith of Hull, Illinois, Eric (Tiffany) Smith of Cordon, Indiana, Victoria (Bryson) Berg of New Canton, Illinois, April (Micah) Gingerich of Rockville, Tennessee, Michael (Brittany) Smith of Brillion, Wisconsin, Autumn Smith of Quincy, Illinois, Meagan (Brandon) Scranton of Mount Sterling, Illinois, Melissa (Brant) Mountain of Mount Sterling, Illinois, Mikayla Smith of New Canton, Illinois, Madelyn Smith of Mount Sterling, Illinois, and Melanie Smith of Mount Sterling, Illinois; along with 25 great-grandchildren and counting. He is preceded in death by his parents, Newton Dee Smith and Alma Pearl Fitzpatrick Smith; his grandparents who raised him James Fitzpatrick and Lilly Belle Cobb Fitzpatrick; two brothers Newt Jr. and James Smith, and his two sisters Bessy and Lil. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Shearer Cemetery in New Canton, IL. Memorials are suggested to the Illinois Veteran's Home. Condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements.