Harold J. Smith

Harold J. Smith, 92, of Byron, died Sunday January 1, 2017 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. He was born December 24, 1924 in Freeport, IL, the son of Fred and Netty (Rollwagon) Smith. He married Colette Kreder June 16, 1955 in Forreston, IL; she died September 14, 2011. Harold was a WWII Navy Veteran serving in the South Pacific. He worked for Joe Benz at the Forreston Cheese Factory. In 1947 he started his own business hauling milk with two trucks, and later got a bulk truck. He finished his career at Rogers Ready Mix for 28 years as a driver and was one of the best employee's there, he could just about do anything they needed there to get the job done. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed playing cards, watching his kids rehab houses, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Harold is survived by his three sons Gene (Shirley) Smith, Alan (Lora) Smith, and David Smith all of Byron, IL; his sister Lois Fogel of Freeport, IL; eight grandchildren Cody Smith, Zandi (Joey) Domino, Lanni (Danny) Jones, Stephanie (Lou) Casaceli, Nathan Smith, Josanne Smith, Madelainne Smith, and Matthew Keller. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his son Kevin; one granddaughter Sara Keller; three brothers Lester, Emerson, and Orville; and two sisters Margaret and Evelyn. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday January 7, 2017 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00-8:00 P.M. also at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston. Burial will be in White Oak Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign his online guestbook and to share memories.