Donovan C. Smith

Donovan C. Smith, 68, of Cobden, died on Feb. 3, 2017, at 3:10 a.m. at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Anna on Nov. 5, 1948. He was raised by his grandparents, Eppie and Helen Smith of Jonesboro, and considered them his parents. He graduated in the Anna-Jonesboro Community High School class of 1966.

He married Maribeth Inman on Oct. 5, 1979, in Tucson, Ariz. In 1981, they returned to Cobden, where they made their lifelong home on “the Hill.”

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Maribeth Smith; two sons, Garrett (Lori) Smith (and two grand dogs Eddie and Harvey) of Charlotte, N.C., and Cale (Sarah Brown) Smith; three grandchildren, Kadence, Camden and Xander of Cobden; brothers-in-law Pat (Sharon) Inman of Blanco, Texas, and Jan (Janice) Inman of Cobden; sister-in-law Melba Inman of Cobden; many nephews, nieces, and friends; siblings Terry (Paula) Hale of Staunton, Greg Perry of Lick Creek and Kim Pribble of Jonesboro; and a cousin Carl (Dana) Bode of Mound City.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eppie and Helen Smith; his parents, Donovan Smith and Peggy Perry; a sister, Lida Sowers; an uncle, Byron Smith, and aunt, Barbara Bode; in-laws Bud and Gerry Inman and Mike and Steve Inman.

His family said he was a devoted husband and father, a proud and caring man who served his family, God, and community in many ways.

He was a life member of Anna VFW Post No. 3455, where he served on the local, district and state levels. One of his proudest moments was taking a group of local World War II veterans on a bus trip to Washington, D.C.

In his early years, he worked at the Vienna Correctional Facility, for the Union County Sheriff’s Department, was Jonesboro chief of police, owner of DC Smith Small Engine Repair in Anna, and retired from the Illinois Brotherhood of Carpenters Local No. 638. His last project was building the I-57 overpass in Marion.

He had many interests, including bird watching, golf, wood working, leather work, painting, gardening and raising chickens. But his favorite pastime was hanging out on the hill with the neighbor and many friends, young and old. He loved to drive his little red Miata (the “Red Baron”) and his golfing trips to Alabama with Roger Stroehlein. He loved his family and friends deeply and also his dogs, especially the two black poodles that were his constant companions over the past three years.

He was a member of the VFW, DAV, Cobden Masonic Lodge No. 466, the NRA, and Oddfellows Grand Lodge No. 100F.

He will be cremated and a celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW in Anna, with military rites and Masonic services. 

Donations can be made to Anna VFW or to Masonic Lodge No. 466.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden is in charge of arrangements.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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