Carl R. Smith, 83, of Gilman passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at his home. He was born on November 23, 1941 in Shanghai, China, a son of Noble and Viola (De Souza) Smith.

 

Carl married Jane White-Fancher in Kankakee on December 19, 1981 and she survives. Also surviving are six sons, John (Edita) Frakes of Fairbury, Tom (Carrie) Smith of Gilman, Noble Smith, Eric Smith, Heath Smith, and Marty (Tammy) Smith; four daughters, Terri (Joan) Frakes of Chatsworth, CA, Lynn (Dan) Saathoff of Bradley, Brenda Smith, and Robin Smith; three sisters, Jody Nolde, Elena Stame, and Donna Rorem; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Kimberly Frakes Smith; and one sister, Stephanie Buff.

 

Carl was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman, Gilman VFW, and served in the US Air Force. Carl was a member of the labor union and worked at Valspar in Kankakee for many years.

 

Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman with Fr. Santiago Corona officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman with a prayer service being held at 5:00 pm. Private burial will be held at a later date at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gilman with military graveside rites.

 

Memorials may be made to Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

 

Please share a memory of Carl at knappfuneralhomes.com.