Stanley Smith

Stanley ‘Stan’ Smith, 72, of Milton, died Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. He was born December 8, 1952, in Jacksonville, IL, the son of David Henry, Sr. and Agnes M. Ryan Smith. He first married Ann Knipmeyer and to this union two children were born, Julie and Jeff. He later married Sandra Chappell on August 21, 1984, in Pittsfield and she survives.

Mr. Smith was a 1971 graduate of East Pike High School and a veteran of the US Navy where he served from 1972 to 1978. Following his service, he farmed in Pike County before becoming an over the road truck driver. In earlier years, Stan was a race car driver who enjoyed driving his beloved car, ‘Bad Company’. Prior to his years working on the river, he enjoyed boating, water skiing and later in life had the opportunity to go scuba diving. He was employed by Osage Marine as a barge captain, for 37 years, navigating the waters of the Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Rivers. Stan served as a Village of Milton Trustee and on the Douglas Cemetery board where he assisted in taking care of the upkeep of the cemetery. He was a member of the Milton Christian Church, also serving as a Deacon and board member. He was skilled in gardening and canning his produce, often giving it away to his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing and was gifted at woodworking, cooking and smoking meats, especially ribs. The times that were most special to Stan were the times he played with his grandchildren and being in the presence of his family. He will forever be remembered for his humbleness, love of family, generous nature and ability to be a little stubborn, among so many other admirable qualities.

Stan is survived by his wife, Sandy of Milton, two daughters, Julie (Brian) Hoover of Pittsfield and Traci (Bobby) Wood of Milton; two sons, Jeff (Cheryl) Smith of Jacksonville and Shawn (Liz) Hoover of Pittsfield; eight grandchildren, Kayla (Trevor) Miller, Jarrett “JD” (Layne) Hoover, Reed Hoover, Brooke Hoover, Lucas Hoover, Jagen Wood, Cadence Wood and Christian Smith; two great grandchildren, Gemma and William Miller; one brother, David, Sr. (Fran) Smith; two sisters, Karen (Bob) Norton and Gloria (Larry) Brown; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Agnes; and two sisters, Donna Waggoner and Mary Farrah.

Funeral services will be held 11:30 AM, Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Family will meet friends from 10:00 AM until time of services at the funeral home on Thursday. Burial with military honors performed by Pittsfield American Legion Post 152 will follow at Douglas Cemetery, near Milton. Memorials are suggested to be made to Milton Christian Church or Douglas Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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