MSGT (Retired) John “Jack” Smith, age 94, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Centralia Manor in Centralia, Illinois.
Jack was born on July 4, 1930, in Omega, Illinois, the son of Bertha (Skidmore) and Delbert Smith. He married Anna Mae (Mickey) Mavers on May 29, 1954, in Belleville, Illinois and she preceded him in death on March 7, 2007, after 53 years of marriage.
Jack grew up in the Tonti, Omega area. He farmed with horses as a boy and early teen. He grew up without the benefits of a telephone, electricity, indoor plumbing or gas heat. His stories of those times growing up were both interesting and entertaining. He joined the Air Force in 1948, before experiencing those modern pleasantries. Upon enlisting he was sent to Japan where he trained to be an expert in electrical systems of many aircraft including B-17, B-29, P-51 and other planes including the early jet fighters.
Jack was a Korean War veteran. His stories of his far east experiences before and during the Korean War were always interesting. By the time he retired from the Air Force he was teaching and writing manuals for electrical systems on the Minuteman Nuclear Missile Systems.
After retirement from the Air Force, he became an IBEW Electrician and worked in the region for the next 23 years before retiring.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Wanda Schooley, Mary Demain, and Myrtle V. Driskill, an infant Elsa Smith; and two brothers, Donald Smith and Earl Sullens.
Jack is survived by one brother, Roger Sullens and wife Marilyn of Tonti, IL; three sons, Neal Smith and wife Marcie of Salem, Jim Smith and wife Dee of Salem, and Richard Smith and wife Debbie of Chelsi, Oklahoma; 11grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
A service for John “Jack” Smith will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Claude Howell officiating. Military Rites will be accorded at the funeral home by the Salem American Legion. A visitation will be held at Crouse Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Memorial contributions in Jack’s name may be left to the Salem American Legion or the Salem Elks Club and will be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements.
