Gerald D. "Jerry" Smith

East Peoria – Gerald D. “Jerry” Smith, 70, of Millpoint Road, East Peoria, passed away at 6:50 PM on October 20, 2015 at Unity Point Methodist in Peoria. He was born on January 23, 1945 in Quincy to Leslie and Mary Ellen Wear Smith. He married Betty May Brown on August 21, 1987 in Quincy. She survives along with one son Greg (Amy) Minton of Peoria, three daughters Tammy (Allen) Orhmundt and Lori Heartsfield both of Friendswood, TX and Amy (Dave) Thiery of Mapleton; ten grandchildren, Emily, Morgan, Alexis, Sierra, Alexander, Nicole, Kody, Charlie, Michael, and Seth: two great grandchildren, McKenlee and Kyson; three brothers James (Othelia) Smith of Joplin, MO, Terry (Gayla) Smith of Loraine, IL, and Roger Smith of Colorado; and two sisters Shirley Sitrick of Phoenix, AZ and Sharon Smith of Quincy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert Smith and Leslie Harry Smith, Jr. and one sister, Mary Belle Goehl.

Jerry had been an electrician for Caterpillar Tractor Co. Inc. for 31 years. He was a member of UAW Local 974 in East Peoria and a Grievance Committeeman. He had also been farming and raising cattle. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. He was an avid hunter and gardener. He liked working on cars and bulldozers.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 26, 2015 at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Rev. Ben Hoerr will officiate. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Unity Point Hospice. On-line condolences and tributes may be made at www.remmertfuneralhome.com.