Jerome “Jerry” David Smith, 74, of Collinsville, passed away Monday, February 26, 2024. He was born September 24, 1949 in Clayton, MO to W. Allen and Virginia R. (Reiter) Smith. He was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served in Korea during the Vietnam War. Jerry was a member of the Collinsville VFW. He married the love of his life, Kaye Ferrero on June 5, 1971 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, IL. Jerry had a passion for researching genealogy and spent countless hours tracing his family’s roots and preserving their history. Jerry also enjoyed spending time at the casino with Kaye, where he found joy and excitement playing his favorite games and trying his luck. He was a loving husband and devoted father to his children. Jerry was a pillar of strength and support for his family, always putting their needs above his own and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving to cherish his memory include his wife of 52 years, Kaye Smith; son, Jason (Amy) Smith; daughter, Jennifer (Bruce) Lewis; grandchildren, Kassidy (Connor Donahue) Smith, Sarah (Brendan) Bittle and Jake Lewis; great-grandchildren, Brayden, Owen and one on the way; sisters, Ginny Wentz, Trisha Haislar and Peggy (Chuck) Black; brothers, Thom (Faith) Smith and Bill (Debbie) Smith; mother-in-law, Evelyn K. Ferrero, brother-in-laws, Gary Hill and Dennis (Carol) Ferrero and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, W. Allen and Virginia R. Smith; sister, Joan K. Smith; brother-in-laws, Roger Wentz and Dennis “Ike” Haislar; sister-in-law, Karen Jean Hill and father-in-law, Emil “Ham” Ferrero.
A funeral service for Jerry will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 1:00pm in Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights, IL 62208 with visitation from 11:00am until time of service. Private family graveside service will be held. Memorial contributions can be made to Kaye for her continued support and future care.
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