06/10/2026
John R. Smith
Ava – John R. Smith, May 1, 1946 – June 9, 2026
John Smith passed away at his home in Ava, the place he loved most, at the age of 80. He was surrounded by the tranquility and beauty that he and his wife thoughtfully created over 32 years.
Born in Coulterville, Illinois, John was a member of the Marissa High School Class of 1964. He and his wife made their home in Marissa, Illinois, until 1993, when they relocated for his work, eventually settling in Ava, where they created the home he cherished. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1965 and served his country with honor during the Vietnam War. During his service, he was wounded in active duty and received the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in January 1968. Like many servicemen during that time, he didn’t speak of his military service, but his duty to his country was unmistakable.
Following his military service, John built a life defined by hard work and dedication. He worked on the manufacturing line at Fischer Body in St. Louis before beginning a 20-year career as an underground miner with Peabody Coal Company, working at the River King mine in Freeburg, Illinois, and the Eagle 2 mine in Shawneetown, Illinois. During Operation Desert Storm, he served as a temporary civilian groundskeeper at Scott Air Force Base while military personnel were deployed. He later continued his career at Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a laborer with the university’s Physical Plant. Above all, his favorite job and title was Grandpa.
John married his high school sweetheart, Linda Sue (née Vasquez) Smith, on November 13, 1965, and together they shared a remarkable life rooted in love and commitment. In November of 2025, they celebrated 60 years of marriage.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his children, Nick Stevenson (Lisa), Douglas Smith (Suzanne), and Deanna Bunten; and his cherished grandchildren, Sara and Nicholas Stevenson, Brandon and Emma Smith, and Evan and Sophia Bunten. He is also survived by his siblings, Katie (Noal), Dennis, sisters-in-law Carol and Susie plus many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlie and Dorothy (née Doak) Smith; his siblings, Jerry, Arlene, Edward, Dan, and Raymond, who passed at birth.
Just as John was at the nucleus of his family, he and Linda’s home was the center of love. Though they did not raise their children there, their homeplace became the heart of their family’s most treasured memories. They graciously hosted holiday gatherings, an outdoor wedding reception, Easter egg hunts for their grandchildren, and large family reunions. They even had the perfect location for people to gather and witness both Solar Eclipse events in Southern Illinois. John made sure their home was a welcoming place where people felt a peace that couldn’t be explained, a sense of contentment, and joy.
John’s legacy will live on through his loved ones who hold him dear. He will be remembered for his quiet strength and for building a life that was full of undeniable love and lasting memories.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:00 am, at Wilson’s Funeral Home, Ava, IL. Visitation will be Thursday evening, June 11, 2026, where friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, and then on Friday morning, 7:30 – 10:00 am, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Agatha’s Catholic Cemetery, New Athens, IL at 11:30 am. Memorials can be made to Residential Hospice or Saint Andrew Catholic School in Murphysboro, Illinois, and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.
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