Richard Smith

Richard Lee Smith, 72, of Aledo, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at Mercer County Hospital, Aledo. Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Dennison Funeral Home, Viola. Burial is in Viola Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Viola United Presbyterian Church. Richard was born June 2, 1935, in Aledo, the son of Robert Lee and Marjorie Harrison Smith. He married Marilyn J. Davenport March 11, 1960, in Viola. She preceded him in death August 27, 2006. Richard worked at International Harvester in East Moline for 30 years retiring in 1989. He served in the United States Navy. Mr. Smith was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. In his spare time, he enjoyed antiquing, refinishing furniture and bird watching. Survivors include his daughter, Joni Pestle and fiance, Mike Gander, Aledo; two sons and spouses, Darren and Kim Smith, Aledo, and Richard R. Smith and Amy Watson, Columbus, Ohio; seven grandchildren; two step grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sandy Whittington, Viola. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, David; sister, Beverly Vipond.