10/07/2026
Frederick Albert Smith, 99, passed away peacefully at Tjardes Health Center in Pontiac, early Tuesday morning, October 6, 2026.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at McDowell United Methodist Church. A Visitation will be held one hour prior, starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service, also at the church. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Pontiac, IL. Pastor Amy Smith will be presiding over his services.
Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, is entrusted with the arrangements.
Fred was born at home in Esman Township on May 11, 1927, to Percy J. and Nellie (Schott) Smith. He attended Willow School and graduated from Pontiac Township High School. He later served in the Illinois State Militia.
Fred married Nellie Mae Ellinger on September 7, 1946, at McDowell United Methodist Church.
He and Nellie Mae lived on the family farm where they raised their four children. Fred farmed his entire life until his retirement. He also worked for Pike Seed and Cargill Seed during the winter months. Later he was a substitute rural mail carrier for 23 years.
Fred is survived by his son, Eldon (Nancy) Smith, daughter, Susan (Kevin) Flessner, all of Pontiac, IL, one daughter-in-law, Amy Smith of Momence, IL.
Fred has five grandchildren, Angie (John) Pickett, Elisa (Bart) Smith, Jason (Mary Katherine) Smith, Nina (Brett) Meconis, Amanda (Dennis) Hickman, and two bonus granddaughters, Catherine and Karen Mehri. He also has nine great grandchildren, Liam, Keely and Brynn Pickett, Adeline, Harrison and Josephine Smith, Mason and Collins Meconis, Hallie Hickman. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a special friend, Betty Riffey.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nellie Mae, one daughter, Janice, two sons, Frank, and William at birth, sister and brother-in-law, Bessie and Robert Busing, brother, Raymond Smith, mother-in-law, Nola (Green) Ellinger, and his last collie, Gypie.
Fred was a very active member of the McDowell United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge for many years, including serving as Past Noble Grand.
As a young boy, Fred grew up with Humiston Woods as his backyard. He knew all of the trails at the woods.
Fred was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed sending time with his family and friends. He loved having the grandkids spend time at the farm. He was known for making homemade ice cream every 4th of July when everyone was there. Fred enjoyed attending sporting events for his children and grandchildren.
He and Nellie Mae took many trips across the country including many day trips in their Mustang as well as attending car shows with his 1937 Chevy.
Fred had a love for his collie dogs from the time he was a young boy.
Fred moved to Evenglow Assisted Living in December of 2019. He enjoyed all of the friendships he made there. His passion was singing, which everyone at church and Evenglow enjoyed.
We would like to thank the staff at Evenglow Assisted Living and Evenglow Tjardes Health Center for all of the care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Fred’s name to McDowell United Methodist Church, Livingston County Humane Society, or to Evenglow Tjardes Health Center.