Roger Smith

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Roger Carl Smith, 87, of Belleville, IL, born July 9, 1933, in Quincy, IL, died Friday, July 17, 2020, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.

Roger was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a fantastic role model to all. He loved life and lived it to the fullest through his many travels and activities.  He especially liked his tennis leagues and his volunteer service at Cahokia Mounds.

He retired from IBM after 34 years of service, was an active member in Our Lady Queen of Peace parish for 58 years and was a member of the Serra Club. He served in the United States Army, was drafted during the Korean War, and served in Okinawa.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Stein; a son-in-law, Randy Stein; his parents, Aubrey F. and Elizabeth M., nee Kerkhoff, Smith; his mother-in-law and father-in-law; Mildred and Robert Klingele;  a brother, Aubrey Smith Jr; a brother-in-law, Donald Bartos; and three sisters-in-law, Marguerite Smith, Joan Smith, and Kay Smith.

Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Lois J., nee Klingele, Smith, whom he married on April 27, 1957;
two daughters, Cindy (Ron) Schaefer and Sue (Bob) Tyler;
two sons, Brad (Marybeth) Smith and Greg (Suzanne) Smith;
13 grandchildren, David Stein, Jennifer (Paul) Tatara, Ben (Erin) Schaefer,
Nick (Jennifer) Schaefer, Joshua (Allyson) Schaefer, Brett (Naomi) Tyler, Blake (Sarah) Tyler, Bryce Tyler,
Shannen (Matt) Helm, Brad Smith Jr, Allison Smith, Erin Smith, and Luke Smith;
eight great-grandchildren and one more on the way;
four brothers, Ronald Smith, Alfred (Joanie) Smith, Edward (Betty) Smith, and Paul Smith;
a sister, Bernadine Bartos; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2020, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. Standard CDC guidelines will be in place. Masks are required.

Funeral: A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 20, 2020, at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Belleville, IL.

Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

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12 Comments on Roger Smith

Lynn Goode said : Guest Report Jul 22, 2020 at 3:02 PM

It's sad to lose Roger, such a nice, grateful, and positive person. I will remember him fondly. He was a delight to interview for "Cahokian" magazine. He gave great tours of Monks Mound. Sympathy and prayers to the many who miss him.

  • St. Louis
  • Missouri
Jane Spreng said : Guest Report Jul 21, 2020 at 11:09 AM

Dear Lois, Cindy and all of the family. Roger: What a great guy! friendly, smart, kind. Had a great conversation with him on the bus on a Cahokia field trip. We will miss him! You take care!

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Terry Einig said : Guest Report Jul 21, 2020 at 9:06 AM

Dear Greg, Suzanne and Kids. So sorry for the loss of your dad and grandpa. He sounds like a great person. Losing A parent is so hard… Our deepest condolences. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless, Terry and Gary.

  • Des Peres
  • Mo
Rob and Robin Rodermund said : Guest Report Jul 20, 2020 at 4:43 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg, Suzanne, Allison, Erin and Luke At this time. We love you!

  • Chesterfield
  • MO
Rich Schaefer said : Guest Report Jul 19, 2020 at 7:43 PM

Dear Cindy and family We offer our deepest condolences for the loss of your dad,. I always enjoyed talking to your dad, he always had so much enthusiasm and energy whether it was talking about the Cahokia Mounds, Tennis, family or about work in his past life. He was always friendly with a nice smile He will be missed by all. Rich & Jean

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Linda Sinco, Cahokia Mounds said : Guest Report Jul 19, 2020 at 3:18 PM

My deepest sympathy. Roger was such a pleasure to work with at Cahokia Mounds. His gift of knowledge and love of learning was shared with the many visitors. He will be greatly missed.

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Carolyn Jewell said : Guest Report Jul 19, 2020 at 9:10 AM

Lois and family, so sorry for your loss... I enjoyed being in Bible study with him. He seemed like he would be around forever. God be with you and may Roger rest in peace.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Kathleen W Kane said : Guest Report Jul 18, 2020 at 2:36 PM

Greg, I am so sorry for your loss. It's particularly hard to lose someone that has been involved in your whole life. Waarmly, Kathy & Mike & family.

  • Saint Louis
  • MO
Rich said : Guest Report Jul 18, 2020 at 1:05 PM

Sorry for your loss. I knew him from Cahokia Mounds and he was always fun to be around. May he rest in peace .

  • Highland
  • Il
Bill Egan said : Guest Report Jul 18, 2020 at 12:56 PM

What a great guy, Roger was one of my best mentors at Cahokia Mounds, just met him 4 years ago but wish it had been sooner. Miss him already. He will be missed a lot because he was loved a lot.

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Debbie M Arnett said : Guest Report Jul 18, 2020 at 10:07 AM

What a woderful man! He was always so full of life and made everyone feel welcome. I am so sorry for his loss. He will truly be missed by anyone that knew him

  • Collinsville
  • IL
anthony smith said : Guest Report Jul 17, 2020 at 4:37 PM

Truly a great person who will be missed. The world could use more people like him.

  • Palmdale
  • CA

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