Roger E. Smith

Roger E. Smith, 74, of Newman, IL passed away at 6:33 a.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; one son, Michael (Kayla) of Mahomet, IL; one daughter, Brooke (Andrew) of Cary, NC;  5 grandchildren, Elliott, Grant, Megan, Sarah, and Savannah; 2 brothers, Fred (Nancy) of Windsor, IL and Bob (Elaine) of Findlay, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene Smith and his sister Patricia.

Roger graduated from Findlay High School and earned a B.S. from the University of Illinois and a M.S. from the University of Wisconsin.  He married Karen Wax on January 26, 1969.

Following service in the United States Army, he and his family returned to Illinois.  Roger farmed with his father-in-law Roy Wax and brother-in-law John Wax in the Newman area.  

Roger held many positions in the Newman Methodist Church including the building committee following the fire that destroyed the original structure, chairman of the pastor-parish committee, and teacher for the high school Sunday school class for many years.

He was active in the Illinois Farm Bureau serving as Vice President of the Douglas County Farm Bureau Board, helping to create and organize the Young Farmer’s Committee, and chairman of the county legislative and Young Farmer committees.  He represented Illinois in the national Farm Bureau discussion meet.  Roger also served as President of the directors’ board of Illini FS.

Roger enjoyed singing throughout his life, starting as a four-year-old soloist accompanied by his mother and continuing through college, church, and community performances.  Roger sang with the Coles County Barbershop chorus for many years.  He was recognized as the outstanding member of the year in 2011.   

Roger worked for the Longview bank and the Newman Neighbor Bank.  

Following retirement, Roger enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities and spending time with his many friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Cole County Barbershoppers.

Private family services will be held February 12, 2021.  Joines Funeral Home (Newman) is in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger E. Smith, please visit our floral store.