Thomas J. Smith

He was born on March 3, 1934 in Detroit, MI, the son of the late Silas and Cecilia (Truttman) Smith. He married Rebecca Taylor on May 18, 1985 in Springfield and she survives.

Mr. Smith worked for North American Rockwell, W.R. Grace, and then later for the State of Illinois in the Dept of Revenue, the Comptroller’s office, and in Central Management Services. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving on the Congregation Council, the Worship and Music Committee, and the Global Missions Committee. He also served as a board member for Sara Center/Fifth St. Renaissance, was a member of the Sierra Club, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Rescue, and was a Democratic Precinct Committeeman.

Besides his wife, Becky, he is survived by a son, Michael Smith of Atlanta, GA, 2 daughters, Margaret Ann Knight of Baltimore, MD and Mary Catherine Smith (husband Richard) of Oak Park, IL, 3 grandchildren, a sister-in-law Susan (husband Jack) Buxton, 2 brothers-in-law, John (wife Debbie) Taylor and Richard (wife Elizabeth) Taylor, and his 3 Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Lily, Harley, and Eli.

Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd, Springfield. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2011 from 4 to 6:30 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church Parish Life Center in Springfield. Funeral service will then be held at 7 pm, with Pastor Paul Olson officiating. Per his wishes, cremation rites will then be accorded.

Memorials may be made to the Sara Center/Fifth St. Renaissance, or to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Please visit the online obituary at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.