Art V. Smith

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward L. Smith and Edna F. Smith (nee Inman); grandson Anthony Groth; and great-grandson, Avian Smith.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his children, Dennis Allen (Linda) Smith, Diane Marie Groth, Steven Michael (Laura) Smith, Donna Jean (Tom) Bauman; grandchildren, Katrina Groth, Nicholas Groth, Nathan Smith, Lindsay Boggio, and Christopher Smith; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Brady, Louis, Brooks, Ella and Carson.

Art graduated from East St. Louis High School in 1947. He dutifully served his country in the U.S. Army Air Forces, fought in the Korean War and was part of the 835th Aviation Engineer Battalion. He built many roads, air strips and worked on various local projects in Fort Worth, TX and Marietta, GA.

Art was a proud switchman for the Illinois Central Railroad for over 50 years and a fourth generation Illinois Central employee. He was an Illinois Central Railroad representative for the United Transportation Union. He was a conductor for Amtrak on the Illini, the Missouri River Runner and the City of New Orleans.

Art was a lifetime member of Ainad Shriners of Southern Illinois, E. St. Louis, IL. He was the recipient of Ainad Shriners Oriental Band Shriner of the Year award presented by Past Potentate Larry Carrill and the Ainad Shriners Oriental Band. He was President of the Ainad Shriner Oriental Band numerous times, making countless trips as a Roadrunner for the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Royal Order of Jesters, Court 86, a member of East Lodge 504 A.F. & A. M. Masonic lodge, E. St. Louis and Fairview Heights, IL, lifetime member of Loyal Order of Moose lodge 1221, Swansea, IL, and Elks lodge 664, Fairview Heights, IL.

Art loved the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves and Shriner parades. He was the oldest Shriner on the streets during parades. He also enjoyed walking, dancing, traveling and spending time with his family. Art’s generosity and dedication were comparable to none. He was fastidious, disciplined, charitable and loving.

Art will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Villas of Holly Brook and their staff, as well as Family Hospice for their care for our Dad.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Art’s honor to Shriners Hospitals for Children, which was near and dear to his heart, or Family Hospice.

VISITATION: Guests may visit from 10 AM to 12 PM on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL.

FUNERAL: The funeral service will begin at 12 PM on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL, officiated by Father Marvin Volk, with entombment to follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.