Obituary of Milton J. Smith

Princeville – Milton J. Smith, 87, of Peoria, formerly of Farmer City for 35 years, died at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at Rosewood Care Center of Peoria.

Milton was born June 9, 1921, in Peoria, the son of Milton Brown and Sadie Predmore Smith.  He married Dorcas J. Gelling on September 2, 1945, at the Gelling farm in Monica, and they honeymooned together at Wrigley Field watching the Chicago Cubs.  Dorcas preceded him in death November 2, 2008, in Peoria.

He is survived by one son, Milton Curphy (Kathryn) Smith of Princeville; four daughters, Bonnie Lee (Ron) Riffey of Talking Rock, GA, Jurretta Sue (Glenn) Huffman of Princeville, Kimberly Rae (Douglas) Phillips of Danville, IN, and Bernice Irene (Banyong) Bunyarattaphantu of Blue Springs, MO; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Arthur Gene (Joyce) Smith of Nassau Bay, TX; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Heather Smith.

Milton served in the US Marine Corps during WWII, serving in the Southwest Pacific Theater. Upon his return from the war, Milton farmed in Monica, and was fertilizer manager for Stark Ag. He later moved to Farmer City where he worked as a fertilizer manager in Harris & Broadwell.  He was a past member & Commander of the Princeville American Legion Post, and a current member of the DeLand American Legion.  He was a member & Past Worshipful Master of the DeLand Masonic Lodge #812, AF&AM, and former Worshipful Master of the Princeville Lodge #360, AF&AM.  Milton also belonged to the Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association and the Woodlawn Country Club, Farmer City.  He was a DeWitt County Township Supervisor and was a basketball referee in his early years, as well as a 4-H leader.  Milton & Dorcas were members of the United Methodist Church of Farmer City, and they delivered Peace Meals through Farmer City Senior Citizens Center.  He was a Die-Hard Chicago Cub Fan, enjoyed watching U of I Basketball games, and loved to bowl.  Milton enjoyed growing award-winning roses.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009, at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home.  Rev. Marc Brown will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2009, with Masonic Rites at 7:00 pm.  Burial will be in Princeville Cemetery, with military rites. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Akron-Princeville Ambulance Service or Peace Meals, Farmer City. 

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