Obituary of Gary D. Smith

Gary D. Smith 54, of Carlinville, passed away Thursday October 27, 2011 in Springfield, IL. Gary was born on February 22, 1957 to Ivan and Betty Smith in Rolla , MO. He married Karla Stearns on February 10, 1989 in Paducah KY. Gary graduated from Virden High School, class of 1975. He then became a coal mine manager for Freeman United Mine and was captain of the mine rescue squad. After leaving the mine he attended and received his Bachelor's degree summa cum laude in political science and business administration from Blackburn College in Carlinville. After college, Gary was employed through Rose International as an IT project manager for DCFS. Gary was the Carlinville Park Board President for several years and was heavily involved in the youth baseball programs in the area. He loved coaching and dedicated much of his life to youth sports. Gary had a wonderful impact on many of the local children through his involvement in the park board and baseball. He was an avid outdoorsman and deer hunter, as well as, a great cook for all of his friends and family. Gary was the chief cook at Bucksnort Lodge for over 40 years. Above all, Gary loved being around his family, especially his grandchildren. Gary is survived by his wife, Karla; 5 children, Heather Harkins (Clint) of Litchfield, Heath Smith (Jordan) of Carlinville, Candice and Micah Stearns both of Carlinville and Amy Ortiz (Eduardo) of Apache Junction, AZ; 7 Grandchildren - Jonah and Tesley Harkins, Wesley and Riley Smith, Zosia (Zoe) Nejmanowski, Erubiel and Emilio Ortiz; 3 brothers - Dennis Smith (Companion Debbie) of Dora, MO, David Smith (Joyce) of Virden, Danny Smith (Beth) of Wyoming, MN; sister, Kim Hall (Russ) of Carlinville; sister-in-law - Donna Smith (Deceased brother, Larry) of Godfrey; mother, Betty Dirksen (Jim) of Carlinville; in-laws, Farrel and Jean Olsen of Carbondale, as well as, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Ivan Smith and brother Larry. Funeral Information Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 from 4-7pm at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville, IL. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 11:00am at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Gray officiating. Private family graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, November 5, 2011 in Dora MO. Donations Information Memorials are suggested to the Carlinville Park Board Directions Visitation: Davis Anderson in Carlinville Service: Davis Anderson in Carlinville