Richard Lynn Smith, 92 of Clinton, IL, passed away November 15, 2025 at Goldwater Care, Clinton, IL.

He was born January 13, 1933 to Norris and Anita (Spainhour) Smith in Lane, Illinois. He married the love of his life, Connie, on May 10, 1957. They were married for 61 years and together shared three wonderful children – Vickie, Terrie, and Wayne. Connie preceded him in death in 2018.

Richard served in the Air Force as a cook during the Korean Conflict. He spent his career as a machinist, retiring from Revere and Olin. After retirement he worked for Keith Dolly at Dolly’s Machine Shop until he was 82. He was also a Golden member of the Eagle’s and enjoyed going with his son, Wayne to visit with his friends.

Richard was tough, yet gentle. He had a quiet orneriness about him that made him and Connie quite the pair. Richard and Connie loved to travel with their family, often traveling out West. Later in life, they enjoyed camping locally with a large group of friends. They took their camper as far as Oregon and Montana, cherishing the memories they made together. He also enjoyed many fishing trips, bringing home plenty to fry up for family and friends. He was an avid gardener and cook, known for his horseradish, noodles, and fried pickles.

He loved all of his babies and will forever be remembered as a loving and committed father, a favorite uncle, and a spoiling, candy sneaking grandpa and great grandpa.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Connie, sisters Anna Braaten Steuhm, Patricia Ayers, and brother Rodger Smith. He is survived by his three children: Vickie (David) Moore, Terrie (Bryan) Baker, and Wayne (Debbie) Smith, all of Clinton, IL, along with 11 grandchildren: Jacob (Kristy) Moore, Jason (Angie) Carter, Rachel Burbridge, Scott (Karen) Moore, Samantha (Kody) Mair, Allie (Scott) Mulligan, Nicholas (Cassie) Smith, Nathaniel (Amairani) Smith, Robert (Jill) Talavera, Angelia (Donald) Palmiter, and Keith Hurley, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

We find hope in our belief that he is finally reunited with Connie, dancing with her again to Mack the Knife, as she asks him “What took you so long?”

Services will be 1:30 PM Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL. With Rev. Scott Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, IL with Military Honors. Visitation will be 5 to 7 PM Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com