Willis Smid

Willis C. Smid

Age 89 of Wilmington, passed away Sunday afternoon, March 18, 2018 at his home.

Born July 15, 1928 in Hampton, Iowa, Willis Calvin was a son of Klaus and Peterka (Heinrich) Smid. He was raised and educated in Iowa and graduated from West Union High School with the Class of 1947. On September 26, 1950, Willis entered into the United States Air Force, where he honorable served until being discharged on October 15, 1953.

Willis worked as an over-the-road truck driver, and following his retirement went onto gain employment with Fisher Auto from 1999 until 2006. He was a gifted mechanic who loved to tinker, and will be remembered as a true “Mr. Fix-it”.

Survivors include his wife Donna (nee Thomas), whom he married September 19, 1972 in Morris; four children: Joseph (Vicki) Smid of Des Moines, Iowa, Patricia Lewis of Morris, Illinois, Greg Smid of Joliet, Illinois and Ryan Smid of Wilmington, Illinois; one step-daughter Linda Tulley of Wilmington; six grandchildren: Jessica Smid, Alex Smid, Douglas Pulaski, Valerie Pulaski, Jennifer Richards, and David Lewis, and four great grandchildren.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Smid and step-son, Rick Winter.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Thursday, March 22, 2018 in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m.

Burial with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 1:00 p.m.

Family and friends may sign the guestbook, upload photographs or share Willis’ memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)