Joe W. Smith's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Joe W. Smith, age 94 of Charleston, entered his Heavenly Home while at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon on Monday, April 10, 2017. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Masonic Services to be conducted at 6:45 p.m. by members and guests of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Curt Weaver and Dr. B.F. McClerren officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the East Harrison Street Church of God or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or services or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Joe was born April 9, 1923 in Charleston, Illinois, the son of the late G. Will and Ula (Maxham) Smith. He married Sally Boyer of Ashmore, Illinois on November 30, 1947 and she has been his wife, partner and friend for 69 years. In addition to his loving wife Sally, Joe is survived by two daughters, Debbie Porter and husband Tom, and Melinda Smith, all of Charleston; three grandchildren, Todd Porter and wife Jennifer, Derek Porter, and Ashley Temple and husband Tim, all of Charleston. Also left to cherish his memory are eight great-grandchildren, Delaney Porter of Mattoon, Illinois, Garrett Porter, Emma Porter, Addyson Porter, Hunter Bell, Gavin Porter, Rayce Bell and Carson Cline, all of Charleston; and several nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by an infant son, Jeffery Smith; three brothers, Robert D. Smith, Donald G. Smith and Richard Smith; and a sister, Helen E. Storm. Joe was a Charleston High School graduate. In the 1950's he worked for the Brown Shoe Company in Charleston and later worked at Vern Baker Furniture before accepting a position at Anamet (formerly known as Anaconda) in Mattoon, where he worked for 21 years. Following his retirement from Anamet, Joe worked part time for the Coles County ASCS office. Even though he always worked a second job, Joe was a farm boy and farming was his passion. Their small family farm located in Lafayette Township generated grain, livestock and dairy products and was also home to Joe, Sally and their family. Joe was a member of the Charleston East Harrison Street Church of God as well as the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388 and formerly of the Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623. He was a member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M., the Corn Belt Shrine Club, the Ansar Shriners, and was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite. Joe was also a member of the Coles County Farm Bureau and in 2004 he and Sally were presented with a plaque honoring them as outstanding members. In 2002 as a member of the Coles County Soil and Water Conservation District, Joe and Sally were recognized for their outstanding efforts in restoring the land back to a prairie state through the planting of prairie grasses. Joe enjoyed going to garage sales, the Wednesday Farmer's Market on the Charleston Square, and to McDonalds to share a cup of coffee and conversation with friends. He loved to add to his toy tractor collection and John Deere was his farm machinery of choice. He and Sally loved to travel and took advantage of the many trips offered through local banks as well as being snowbirds, wintering in Ft. Myers, Florida for 20 years. They also enjoyed many years of camping with family and friends and were members of the Prairie Roamers camping club. Joe's family always came first. They could always rely on his unwavering love and support and he made a special effort to attend the many activities and school events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe's easy going and friendly personality blessed him with many long and enduring friendships. Joe's commitment to his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather has provided them with wonderful memories on which to reflect and be thankful for. Masonic Services will be conducted at 6:45 p.m. by members and guests of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. SERVICES Visitation Tuesday, April 18, 2017 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Masonic Services will be conducted at 6:45 p.m. by members and guests of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. Funeral Service Wednesday, April 19, 2017 11:00 AM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920
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