Wadsworth Smith

Wadsworth Phillip Smith

"Buddy"

Age 67 of Gardner, passed away Wednesday December 16, 2009 at his home.

Born September 26, 1942 in Ottawa, Buddy was a son of the late William Haywood and Glenna Julia Rentz-Smith. He was raised and educated in Coal City and was a graduate of Coal City High School with the class of 1961. Buddy retired from Amoco Chemical Company as a Chemical Operator in January of 1998 and was a member of ORCA (Old Reel Collectors Association) and NFLCC (National Fishing Lure Collectors Club). He was known for collecting antique fishing reels, old tools and antique tractors, especially John Deere.

Survivors include his wife Nancy J. (nee Cook); two sons: Phillip Smith of Braceville and Jeffrey (Missy) Smith of Gardner; one step-daughter Jasmine Rein (a.k.a. Jenny Bishop) of LasVegas, Nevada; brothers and sisters: Linda (Russ) Mading of Wisconsin, Larry (Diane) Smith of Gardner, Rita (the late Harry) Kline of Marseilles, Dennis (Lucille) Smith of Goose Lake and William (Peggy) Smith of Florida; his beloved aunt Naomi Francois of Coal City and numerous nieces and nephews.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Jerry in infancy and step-son Michael Wilson.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Sunday December 20, 2009 between the hours of 2:00PM and 6:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street in downtown Gardner. Funeral services will follow Monday December 21st at 10:30AM in the funeral home with Pastor Nate Ferguson officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood and pallbearers will be: Duane Francois, Donald Francois, Ben Zimmerman, Andrew Zimmerman, Tyson Kline and Heath Whittingham.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Buddy's memory to the Gardner Emergency Squad or Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.

Friends may sign the online Guest Book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815/237-2526)