Stephen E. Smith

Stephen E. Smith, 72, passed away on Sunday morning, December 15, 2013, at his rural Kirkwood family farm.

Steve was born in Monmouth on March 22, 1941, the son of Glenn and Esther (Seldon) Smith. He graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1959. Steve was a member of the Kirkwood United Methodist Church. On June 21, 1963 he married Ruth Killip and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year alongside family and dear friends. A lifelong farmer, Steve started farming on his family farm in 1962. In February 1966, Steve was drafted into the army and served two years as an MP in the 472 MP CO in Fairbanks, Alaska. In 1998, Steve became Farm Manager for the Ricketts-Palmer Family Farms and held that position until his death. His father, Glenn Smith, had also been Farm Manager for the Ricketts-Palmer Family Farms for fifty years.

A true gentleman, Steve was adored by all who knew him. He was a strong, easy-going, relaxed, good man who worked hard not only for his family, but also for others and for the Lord. Steve was an example to everyone beyond what words can say. Steve loved working with his hands on the farm, with machinery, as well as with metal and wood. He spent countless hours working alongside his sons, David and Andrew out in the shop and around the farm. No matter what Steve was doing, he was never too busy to lend an immediate helping hand to someone who needed it. Steve loved his farm, his dogs, and enjoyed the simplest of things the most.

Steve is survived by his wife, Ruth, and sons David (Melissa) Smith & Andrew Smith, all of Kirkwood; two sisters, Mary Ann Work of Peoria and Susie (Len) Hawkes of Monmouth; sister-in-laws Alice Long of Monmouth and Nell Killip of Minot, North Dakota; nephews Jeff (Julie) Long, Bradley (Ashley) Killip, John (Amy) Wolf, and nieces Becky (Dian) Crabill, Margaret Work, Roberta (Jim) Parker, and Sara Killip; step-granddaughter Stephanie Adams, and numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and brother-in-laws Robbie Work, Roger Killip, and Dr. Wilson Taylor.

Funeral services will be 10:30 Thursday, December 19, 2013 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Burial will be Center Grove Cemetery, Kirkwood. Friends may call Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home where his family will be present from 5:00-8:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, Peoria or the Warren County Relay for Life.

Private online condolences may be left and they will be given to the family.