H. Dewon Smith

H. Dewon Smith, 86, of Belvidere, IL passed away peacefully, Saturday afternoon, November 15, 2014 in Northwood’s Care Centre after a short illness. Dewon was born September 6, 1928 in Strawberry, AR the son of Homer A. and Nettie (Chappel) Smith. He married Anna Belle Wilkerson on August 12, 1948 in Bono, AR. Dewon started his working career in farming with his father. He then moved to Rockford, IL where he worked for JL Clark from 1950- 1955 and then went to the Ford dealership where he was a mechanic and sales associate. Dewon and Ann then moved back to Jonesboro, AR where he was a manager for Quality Gladiolas Farms. In 1966 Dewon and Ann moved back to Illinois where he went to work for Chrysler Corp in Belvidere as a pipefitter, he retired in 1991 after 25 years. Dewon was a member of Belvidere Church of Christ; he enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing and R.V camping – he was also a member of Blackhawk RV Club.

Dewon is loved and will be missed by his wife, Anna Belle of Belvidere; daughter, Sharee (Larry) Burks of Jonesboro, AR; son in-law, Danny Simpson of Belvidere; sister in-law, Vernice Smith of Jonesboro; grandchildren Tracy (Mark Rarig) Simpson, Monica (Michael) Simon, Marcus (Lisa) Simpson; Jennifer Casey, Greg Burks, Matt (Traci) Burks; 15 Great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Dewon is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marilyn “Dianne” Simpson; brother, Dale Smith.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m on Friday, November 21, 2014 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with David Gibson officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The burial will be private.

Visitation will be prior to the service on Friday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel.