He was born on May 19, 1944 in Sterling, IL, the son of Reuben H. and Marta M. (Ryan) Smith. He graduated from Rock Falls High School in 1963. John married Ronda L. Adams on August 31, 1963 in Rock Falls. He was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire for many years, retiring as superintendent of transportation. John enjoyed all outdoor activities: playing golf, boating, fishing and cruising with his wife on the Harley. He was a social member of the Sterling American Legion and past member of the Sterling Family Moose.
Survivors include his wife, Ronda; son, Michael Smith of Rock Falls; daughter Dana (Steve) Kelly of Sterling; granddaughter Morgan Kelly and great grandchild Addyson Euler.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Shawn C. Smith in 1972 and his sister Barbara Wainscott.
Friends and family will gather on Friday, June 21 to celebrate John’s life at Champs on Light Street in Sterling from 3-7 p.m. Memorials may be given in his memory to Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling.
To send flowers to the family of John, please visit the floral store.
