Jerry Lowell Smith, 78, of Carthage, passed away early on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at St. Johns
Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Jerry was born at his home on March 15, 1945, in Carthage, Illinois, the son of Melvin and Leta (Parrish)
Smith. He attended Carthage High School and graduated in 1963. In 1965, Jerry was united in marriage
to Sharon Mosley, with whom he shares three children, Shelley, Travis, and Gretchen. They later
divorced. Jerry was then united in marriage to Jennifer Hosto on June 20, 1981, at Sutter Bethlehem
United Church of Christ. They have one son, Wyatt.
Jerry spent all his life working on the family farm and it was his strongest passion since he was 9 years
old. Some would say, “Nobody planted a straighter row than Jerry”. Jerry worked for Harmony
Township for many years. He loved being in his Bulldozer. He operated a bulldozing business for years.
Jerry had a passion for the outdoors. You could always find Jerry going to truck and tractor pulls and
hunting.
He was an avid gun collector and a lifetime member of the NRA. Jerry enjoyed spending time with and
telling stories to his grandkids. He was a strong-willed man that was not short on words but respected
by many.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Jennifer Smith, of Carthage, IL; his children, Shelley (Jerilyn Miller) Smith of
Carthage, IL, Travis (Teresa) Smith of Carthage, IL, Gretchen (Smith) Vacko of Plainfield, IL. and Wyatt
(Jessica Jackson) Smith of Lehi, UT; his grandchildren, Brogan (Taylor) Smith of Carthage ,Il, Alexis, Alivia
& Wesley Smith of Carthage,Il, Riley, Makenna, Keegan, & Delainey Vacko of Plainfield,Il; and a great
grandson, Weston Vacko. Also, survived by two sisters Wanda Kratzer of Keokuk IA. Shelia (Dave)
Graham of Carthage IL. And Several Nieces and Nephews.
He is preceded by his parents; a sister, Mary Jane Turner; Two nephews Brent Turner and Bryan Turner
and a step mother, Alberta Smith.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Printy Funeral Home in
Carthage with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9
– 11 am at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be made out to St. Judes Children Hospital. Printy Funeral
Home of Carthage is handling arrangements.