Floyd Wendell Smith

Floyd Wendell Smith, 95, a long time Bismarck resident, passed away on July 23, 2018 in Mahomet, IL. He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Ellyn, and three children: Richard W. Smith of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA; Craig M. Smith of Austin, TX; and Dr. Colleen K. Grogan of Cincinnati, OH. He also leaves 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Mr. Smith grew up as a farm boy, attended Bismarck schools, and then earned his wings as an Army Air Force fighter pilot in WWII. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in Civil Engineering, he worked on municipal utility projects. During the Korean conflict, the Air Force, in need of pilots, recalled him to active duty involuntarily. After extensive graduate engineering schooling, he served as an engineer in development and testing of many Air Force aircraft programs, including a four year assignment at the Pentagon. For two years he was called on to pilot C-130 aircraft through typhoons from a base in Guam to collect critically needed weather data for both civilian and military purposes. Shortly after this, he served a tour in Viet Nam. He retired from the Air Force in 1973 and returned to his family farm for the remainder of his life. Wendell was active in his church as well as County and Township government. He and his family, with six grandchildren, enjoyed many, many good times on the farm raising cattle, planting trees, and enjoying one another. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 PM on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1930 N Bowman Ave in Danville, IL. Officiating will be Pastor Michael Heidle. Burial will be in Danville National Cemetery. Visitation will be held the evening prior on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 5 to 7 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville, IL. Memorial donations may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danville, Illinois. Please join Floyd's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.