Rev. Warren Nevin Smith, Jr.

Age 85, of Herscher and formerly of Kankakee, Dwight, the Quad Cities, Vincennes, Indiana, and Sterling, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Citadel of Bourbonnais.

Born October 11, 1939, in Sterling, Illinois, Warren was the son of Warren Nevin, Sr. and Yetta Roana (Lyon) Smith. He was raised and educated in Sterling, graduating from Sterling High School with the Class of 1957. Following high school, Warren entered the United States Army, where he honorably served until his discharge in February of 1963 as a Specialist E4. Answering the call to ministry, Warren attended Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and later earned his degree from Olivet Nazarene University in 1979.

On May 14, 1960, Warren married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Snider, in Valley Station, Kentucky. Together, they built a life centered on faith and service. Warren devoted his career to ministry, first serving as Associate Pastor at First Nazarene Church in Sterling before being ordained into the Church of the Nazarene on August 1, 1996. He went on to lead the congregations in Milan, Illinois, and later was an associate pastor at Eastridge Church of the Nazarene in Kankakee. Even after retirement, his passion for the Gospel never waned, and he continued to provide pulpit supply; served as an Elder at Eastridge Church of the Nazarene and led Bible study at his assisted living facility for several years.

A man of deep conviction and unwavering faith, Warren also found fulfillment in his community. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post #85 in Kankakee. Beyond his ministry, he was an avid reader, always seeking knowledge and inspiration, and he enjoyed the strategic challenge of a good game of chess.

Warren's legacy is one of kindness, wisdom, and steadfast devotion to both his faith and his family. His impact on those he ministered to will endure for generations to come.

Survivors include two children: Paula (Daniel) Ekstrom of Wilmington, Illinois and Teresa Kathleen “Kathy” Ryan of Kankakee; his daughter-in-law, Verlene Smith of Brookville, Indiana; 12 grandchildren: Lisa Jones, Allen Ison, Jeremiah Cannon, Patrick Jason Peck, Warren James Smith, Daniel Ryan, Andrew Ryan, Brooke Pope, Sara Heino, Gabriel Ekstrom, James Ryan and Kati Gardner; 24 Great grandchildren; five Great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Cathy Smith of Lyndon, Illinois; one brother-in-law, James Snider of Indianapolis and several nieces and nephews, as well as two special cousins: Rosemary Pizarro of Rock Falls and Gary Dean of Iowa.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Warren Smith, Sr. and Yetta Todd; wife, Ann Smith; son, Warren N. Smith, III; son-in-law, James Ryan, and one sister, Carol Jean “Sue” Todd; his brother, Larry William Smith and one nephew, Roger Smith.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday morning at Eastridge Church of the Nazarene, 2679 E. Court Street in Kankakee, Illinois from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service, 10:00 a.m. Pastor Greg Chambers will officiate.

Burial will follow later in the afternoon in Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, where Warren will be laid to rest with his late wife, Ann.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Warren’s memory to Eastridge Church of the Nazarene or Uplifted Care.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Warren’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes. (815-476-2181)