Thomas E. Smith Sr.

Thomas E. Smith Sr., 78, of Champaign, passed away on January 9, 2024. He was born in Champaign on March 14, 1945, the son of Wilson P. and Corinne Smith. He married the love of his life, Gay (Gilbert) Smith and they spent 52 wonderful years together before her passing in September of 2017.

He is survived by his brother, Robert E. (Ola) Smith; children, Dawn (Martin) Cross, Lara Christensen, and Thomas Smith Jr.; grandchildren, Caitlin Cross, Gentre Ross, Aneesa Nelsen, Clayton Nelsen, Anna Smith; and great-granddaughter, Kailynn.

Thomas was a veteran of the United States Navy. In his spare time, he enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, working on puzzles, fishing, and cheering for his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Thomas loved spending time with his family and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Champaign, IL is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. The burial will take place at East Lawn Cemetery in Bloomington, IL.