Steve Smith, 67, of Cottleville, MO, formerly of Centralia, passed away peacefully Monday, August 19, 2024, at Evelyn’s House in Creve Couer, MO.
He was born July 5, 1957, in Centralia, the son of William A. Smith and Betty R. (Friend) Smith. On May 22, 1982, in Centralia, Steve married the love of his life, Charlene Rude, and she survives.
In addition to his wife of 42 years, Charlene Smith of Cottleville, Missouri, Steve is also survived by his two children: Jennifer Moll of Bridgeton, Missouri, and Christopher Smith and wife Rachel of St. Charles, Missouri; two granddaughters: Hesleigh Smith and Raegan Smith; sisters-in-law: Linda Mijal and husband Phil of The Villages, Florida and Patricia Hodges of Mt. Vernon; his four-legged best friend: Tillie; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Randy Smith, sister: Debra McClain, and father and mother-in-law: Charles and Betsy Rude.
Steve fought a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Dr. Moh’d Khushman and his staff at West County Siteman Cancer Center became his family this past year. The family appreciates all of the care they provided for him. After working for the United States Postal Service for 34 years, Steve retired from the Centralia Office. He was a member of the St. Peter United Church of Christ in Centralia. Steve loved traveling, fishing, and working in the yard. He had a big heart, whether it was mowing the yards in the neighborhood or volunteering at the CCBA Food Pantry. Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He will be missed by all that knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home with Pastor John Pawloski officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, from noon until the time of service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the CCBA Food Pantry and/or PALS Animal Shelter of Hawk Point, MO, and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Steve’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook Page.
