LEWISTOWN, IL - Milbern L. Smith, age 81, of 21485 E US HWY 24, died at 9:37 PM Sunday (4/22/07) at Graham Hospital Emergency Room in Canton, IL.

He was born September 16, 1925 at Rural Bernadotte, the son of James W. and Tina E. (Stufflebeam) Smith. He first married Beverly Ruth Hamm. He later married Mary F. Miller June 24, 1966 at Astoria.

She survives along with 4 sons Jackie (Rosemary) Smith of Lewistown, Gerald A. (Verna F.) Smith of Browning, Willis Leo Smith of Little America, and David G. (Joni P.) Smith of Browning, 1 daughter Nancy J. McClanahan of Memphis, TN; 1 step daughter Barbara A. (Gary) Copeland of Hurst, TX; 2 sisters Maxine Sackman of Astoria, and Gwendola Bouc of Havana, 22 Grandchildren, and 23 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 daughter Janet K. Smith, 1 grandson Michael W. Smith, 1 step daughter Sandra Griffin, 3 brothers, and 1 sister.

He was a welder for International Harvester Canton Plant and retired after 30 years. He also drove a school bus for Prichard Clark School for 20 years. He served in the US Army during WW2 and participated in the Normandy Invasion, and received 3 purple hearts. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church at Rural Lewistown. He was a 50 year member of the Canton VFW Post 1984, and also a member of Canton American Legion Post, and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a scout master with the Boy Scouts of America Lewistown Troop for 20 years. Milbern and Mary had a clown ministry for over 20 years, and Milbern was the Santa Claus at Jones Park in Canton for over 20 years. Milbern and Mary were also volunteer drivers for the American Cancer Society.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Reverend Martin Janicke officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Wednesday at the memorial home. Burial will be in Apple Cemetery at Rural Lewistown, with a military service conducted by his VFW and American Legion Post. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Milbern L Smith