Keith Smith

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Keith D. Smith, 70 of Streator and formerly of Marseilles, passed away on July 15th.

He was the son of Kenneth & Ollie (Cox) & Don Shanks and married Kathy Byrd-Smith.

He is survived by his wife of almost 28 years; sons:  Kenneth (Stephanie) Smith, Jason Byrd & Michael (Erin) Byrd; daughter Nikki Phillips, grandchildren:  C.J., Kameron, Lauren, Andrew, Breya, Hannah, Kieran, Hadley and Blessed by a huge extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Karen Sluder, his 1st born granddaughter Jessica and his fur friends Maxi, Willie & Sadie.

Keith was a 1966 graduate of Marseilles High School.  He also graduated from Barber School in Decatur and then long hair came into style so he moved on to be a Proud Member of Labor Local 393 until his semi-retirement in 1998.  To keep boredom at bay and being the adventurous guy that he was, he delivered donuts for Dunkin Donuts, worked part-time as a security guard, the Streator YMCA and sold real estate for Century 21.

Keith coached his sons in the Marseilles Little League and Marseilles Junior Youth Football.  He enjoyed fishing, the Chicago Cubs, was famous for anything he cooked and his understanding and forgiving ways.

He was a loving, kind, caring soul who never knew a stranger and yet was quiet and gentle.

His favorite pastime lately has been sitting at the dining room table watching the sunrise, while drinking coffee with the love of his life and glad to be here another day.

The family has requested that flowers be omitted and instead, to remember Keith by taking a friend to dinner and kind words.

A private service will be held at a later date.  The Hagi & Baker Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.hagifuneralhome.com