Michael Lieu Smith, 79, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 3:27 am June 3, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Smith proudly served his country in the United States Marines during the Vietnam Era. Michael attended the State Police Academy in Springfield, Illinois and worked as a State Police Patrolman before being called to the ministry. He was a Pastor for many Nazarene churches all over the United States. Michael attended Park Ave Baptist Church and will be greatly missed.
A Visitation will be held Monday, June 7, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 pm with Reverend Jim Blue, Reverend David Betts, and Reverend Jarrod Manning officiating. Interment will follow at New Shiloh Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Full Military Rites will be held by American Legion Post #141 at the cemetery. Memorials may be made in Michael’s honor to the family in care of Nancy Lynn. Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone who has not been vaccinated to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request. Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.
Michael married Nancy Lynn (Betts) Smith on June 6, 1964 in Mount Vernon, Illinois. In addition to his loving wife of nearly fifty-seven years, Michael is survived by his son, Michael L. Smith Jr. and wife, Barbara of Bluford, Illinois; daughter, Roxanna Lynn Crain and husband, James of Mount Vernon, Illinois; grandchildren, Sandra Bauer, Jacquelin Bain, Travis Smith and Ashley, Kelsey Smith, and Jesse Smith and Karregan; fifteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Sally Woods and husband, George of Keenes, Illinois, Jane Bethard and husband, Gerald of Texico, Illinois, Jan Brown and husband, Tom of Mount Vernon, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
He was born September 24, 1941 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late Wilson Ramler and Susie Irene (Hogue) Smith. In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his infant son, Brian Michael Smith; infant brother, William Smith; sister, Becky Rodish; and brother, Bob Smith.
