Benjamin “Ben” F. Smith II, 64, Belle, passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.
He was born June 15, 1956, to Benjamin Franklin Smith Sr. and Sylvia (Longcor) Smith, in Galesburg, Ill.
He was united in marriage to Patricia Brown, May 25, 1991, in Canton, Ill.
Ben was a Peoria High School graduate and received his Associate Degree in Diesel Mechanics from Spoon River College in Illinois. He worked as a diesel mechanic, an over-the-road truck driver, a fireman and EMT in Illinois and a race truck driver. He also worked for Butler Manufacturing in Galesburg, Ill., and on his family’s dairy farm. Ben was a member of Bland First Christian Church.
He was preceded in death by biological parents, Benjamin and Sylvia; his aunt and uncle that raised him, Jim and Darlene Danz; and foster brother, Bob Smith.
He is survived by wife, Patricia; daughters, Joellen Foust and husband George of Banner, Ill., Tammy Smith of St. David, Ill., Keyisha Alexander and husband Wes of St. David, Ill., and Marlene Smith and husband Andrew of Chillicothe; siblings, Sue Hebert and husband Ed of Washington, Ill., Kenneth Danz and wife Dawn of Canton, Ill., Carol Hafele of Elmwood, Ill., Gladys Pericak and husband Steve of Peoria, Ill., Lori Croxton and husband Chris of Bartonville, Ill., and Tim Smith and wife Brenda of Bartonville; and five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren;
Visitation will be (today) Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 2-3 p.m. in the gymnasium at Bland First Christian Church with funeral services following at 3 p.m. Masks are suggested and social distancing guidelines must be followed. Memorial contributions suggested to a cancer charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
