Sudden Death Claims Retired Blacksmith

 

Wm. S. Smith, Well Known Citizen Stricken With Heart Attack Tuesday.

 

Wm.  S. Smith, for more than a half century a well known citizen of Lovington, died Tuesday morning about 9:00 o'clock, at the home of his son, Bert Smith, 2 1/2 miles north of Lovington.  He had been suffering from stomach trouble and a few weeks ago heart trouble developed.  The end came suddenly Tuesday morning, after Mr. Smith had been able to be up and partake of his breakfast.  The news of his sudden death reached his many friends as a great surprise.  The body was removed to the McMillin funeral home and prepared for burial.

 

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Lovington Christian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. E. Franklin.  Music was furnished by Mrs. Homer White and H. M. Walmsley, with Mrs. Fred I. Clark at the Piano.  Burial was in the Kellar cemetery.

 

The pall bearers were Dale Smith, C. G. Richardson, Raymond Smith, Robert Campbell, Will Simpson, and Bert Simpson, all grandsons of the deceased.

 

William S. Smith was born near Lexington, Ind., Sept. 5, 1851.  He came to Illinois with his grandparents when 10 years of age.  They resided in Coles County for a short time, coming to Moultrie County and living south of Lake City until the deceased was 18 years of age.  He went to Decatur and began work in the Gaman Wagon shop and while living in Decatur was a member of the Decatur Volunteer Fire department, an organization that has long since given way to a highly efficient city fire department.

 

In 1872 Mr. Smith came to Lovington to make his home and in January 1876, he became a member of the Christian church.

 

On Aug. 27, 1876 the deceased was united in Marriage with Mary R. Mullinix, by the late Rev. H. Y. Kellar, at his home in this city.  To this union six children were born, Laurel B., Arthur R., Edith, wife of James Simpson, William H., with whom he made his home, all of this city, Fredrick G., of Los Angeles, Calif., and Lillian, who died in infancy.  The mother passed away Feb. 16, 1890.

 

Besides the children Mr. Smith leaves one sister, Mrs. Emma Keifer, of Rock Island, Ill., also 19 grandchildren, one great grandson and two great grandsons by marriage.

 

Mr. Smith retired from business in 1920.  Four years ago he moved to the country with his son Bert, where he passed away on March 5, 1929, aged 77 years and six months.

 

Mr. Smith was a lover of the great out-of-doors and his customary diversion from work was a long walk.  He usually spent his leisure time in roaming the timbers and along the banks of the streams within walking distance of his home.

 

Mr. Smith was engaged in blacksmithing for many years, only retiring from active business a few years ago, when his advanced age forced him to take a well earned rest.