SYCAMORE – Douglas (Doug) Smith, 91, of Sycamore, died on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in his home, surrounded by loved ones.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for the amazing job of care and support, and especially to Rachel, Bri, Jeremy, and Jessica. Funeral arrangements will be held in late April, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Doug to St. Croix Hospice or Alzheimers Association Illinois Chapter.

Doug’s story began on April 16, 1933, in Sublette, IL where he was born to parents Robert and Doris (Bates) Smith.

Smith grew up in Amboy, sweeping floors at his father’s filling station, happy to assist in any task assigned to him. At Amboy High School, he excelled in athletics and enjoyed being a part of school activities such as drama club, Latin club, yearbook, and chorus. Doug was a constant, kind, and welcome face at the school up to his graduation in 1951.

In 1952, Doug married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Anderson. Their partnership would last 63 years, enduring three moves and six kids. They had a happy and fulfilled marriage until her death in 2015.

After graduation, Doug stayed in Lee County, working as a bookkeeper for Amboy Milk Plant and then worked in the Accounting Department at the Farmer’s Telephone Company (Contel). In his 28 years with the company, Contel frequently promoted Doug and with that came transfers to Mascoutah, Wright City, Mo., and finally, Sycamore, where he would reside for the next 48 years. He retired from the phone company in 1990.

People remember Doug Smith for his kind eyes, stoic demeanor, and, most of all, his selfless heart. Every place he went, he offered his help. Whether it was his time as a volunteer fireman in Amboy, Mascoutah, and Wright City (where he was the Fire Chief); doing taxes for Senior citizens; or his faithful commitment to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sycamore. Doug enjoyed helping people and serving the community and he never asked for anything in return.

He was once quoted as saying, “We are to be like Jesus. He taught us to love one another and help each other whenever we can. The reward is the joy in helping and seeing the appreciation of another in their eyes. It is the least we can do.”

His reverence was even more devout to those in his family. Known to his grandchildren by the moniker “Papa”, his calming demeanor, wise words, and generous nature were sought after by all in his family.

Doug is survived by six children, Karen (Gary) Springer, Gregory (Dee Ann) Smith, Blair Smith, Theresa (Rick) Johnson, Keith (Lisa) Smith, Karri Smith; eleven grandchildren, Erin, Amy, Doris, Tabitha, Charlie, Luke, Mary Grace, Chelsea, Lauren, Leigh-Ann (sp), Stephen; thirteen great grandchildren, Kindall, John, Dyllon, Meadow, Jenny, Maxine, Kaley, Taylor, David, Madison, Brianna, Brayden, Bentley; and three great-great grandchildren, Conner, Carson, Cadence; a brother, Lee (Sue) Smith, nephew Rick (Cheryl) Lamb, sister-in-law, Janet Jones and several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne; two sisters, Shirley Yentzer and Barbara Herbst; and granddaughter, Sarah Swantner.

Those who have survived him will miss him immensely; those who preceded him will be overjoyed to see him.