Richard O. Smith, 91, of Du Quoin, passed away at 1:50 P.M. Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO.
Richard had been a shovel operator for Freeman United Coal Company for 35 years. He was a member of the St. Johns United Church of Christ in Du Quoin and a member of the Du Quoin American Legion, Du Quoin Elks Lodge and the UMWA and had been president of his local. Richard was a US Marine Veteran of the Korean War where he attained the rank of Sargent.
He was born September 17, 1930 at Du Quoin, IL the son of John and Olive Flossine (Maple) Smith.
Richard married Clara Jane Jackson on July 28, 1950 at Du Quoin, IL and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, two daughters- Terri Benson and husband Mark and Lora Booker all of Du Quoin,
five grandchildren- Matthew Benson and wife Kristina of Du Quoin, Joshua Benson and wife Ashleigh of Marion, Evan Booker and wife Amy of Du Quoin, Austin Booker of Du Quoin and Garrick Blevins of Du Quoin, three great grandchildren- Emerson Benson, Mary Clara Benson and Madux Booker all of Du Quoin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law- Clara Jackson, brother- Bob Smith , son-in-law- James Booker, sister-in-law- Dorothy Berger.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Robert Morwell officiating.
Friends may call from 11:00 A.M. until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.
Please use social distancing guidelines. Everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to the St. Johns United Church of Christ, Marshall Browning Hospital Tree of Life or the Du Quoin Library and will be accepted at the funeral home.