Eugene D. Smith

Eugene D. Smith (Hemer), 76, of Cuba, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 8:01 p.m. on

Thursday, June 4, surrounded by his family.

Eugene was born on April 23, 1950, in Canton, Illinois, a son born to Marlin and Lois Smith. He married the love of his life, Rose Poulsen, on June 20, 1970, in Peoria, Illinois. Together they shared nearly 56 years of marriage. Rose survives. Eugene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He never met a stranger. Family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in watching his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews grow and succeed. He is survived by his wife, Rose Smith of Cuba; one brother, Butch Smith of Cuba; daughters, Stephanie (Tim) Swise of Canton and Genie Kay (Scott) Mooney of Cuba; grandchildren, Tabetha (Mark) Rives of Monterey, Nicholas (Marianna) Swise of Germantown Hills, Luke (Jordan) Beekman of Macomb, Jake (Daria) Beekman of South Carolina, and Kaylann (Andrew Cody) Beekman of Macomb; six great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marlin and Lois Smith; his sister, Kay Ellen Nolan; brother-in-law, John Nolan; sister-in-law, Samantha Smith; and nephew, Eugene “Boom” Jones.

Eugene proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Valley Forge (LPH-8). Following his military service, he worked for Caterpillar in Mapleton, retiring in 2001 after 35 years of dedicated service. He also worked as a stagehand at the Peoria Civic Center, served as a janitor at Cuba Schools, and spent many years working as a farmhand for Ransom Tompkins in Fairview and Gary Gunther in Smithfield.

He was a proud member of Russell Smith American Legion Post 533.

Eugene enjoyed life to the fullest. He was the proud owner of a Ford T-Bucket that earned multiple Best of Show awards at car shows. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson, shooting pool, working in his yard, playing the drums, listening to classic rock music, watching WWE and golf, and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed bragging about his nieces, nephews, and their families, always celebrating their accomplishments as if they were his own. More than anything, Eugene will be remembered for his kind heart, his sense of humor, his strong work ethic, and the love he shared with family and friends. His presence will be deeply

missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday June 13th at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba with Pastor Mike Arnett officiating. Burial will be in the Cuba Cemetery with military services by the Cuba American Legion Russell Smith Post 533 and the US Navy. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Cuba American Legion. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.