Richard Smith

Richard E. “Rich” Smith, 71 of Aledo, Illinois, died Thursday, December 28, 2017 at home. Cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday December 31, 2017 at Fippinger Funeral Home in Aledo. Private burial will be at a later date. Visitation is 1-4 p.m. prior to services Sunday at Fippinger’s. Memorials may be left to the Mercer County VFW Post 1571 and online condolences can be made at www.fippingerfuneralhome.com.

He was born August 28, 1946 in Rock Island, IL to James and Ruth Crawford Smith. He graduated from Aledo High School in 1964. Rich married Christine M. Benson June 11, 1965 in Hamlet, IL.

Rich was employed at the McCaw Furniture Store and later began his career at Continental Telephone Company as a warehouse manager and later as lineman, retiring from Frontier after 28 years. He was then employed part-time at Brad’s Collision.

He was a loyal friend to many and was a member of the Die-Hard Cubs Fan Club. Rich enjoyed being outdoors, maintaining his yard and traveling, especially to national parks. He loved attending his grandchildren’s activities.

Survivors include his wife, Chris; one daughter: Jami Hollinrake of West Union, Iowa; one son: Rich (Jodi) Smith of Aledo; 5 grandchildren: Danielle, Jenni and Chase Hollinrake and Ty and Brady Smith; one sister: Marie (Steve) Rapp of Big Sky, Montana; two nieces; two nephews; one great niece; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Jeff and Laurie Benson of Aledo.

He was preceded in death by his parents.