Kevin Smith

Kevin Patrick Smith, age 74, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at Stearns Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Granite City, after an extended eight-year illness.

Kevin was born on February 4, 1951, to parents Anne Smith (nee Hardin) and George P. Smith. Kevin attended St. Henry’s Grade School, Althoff Catholic High School and Belleville Township High School West – Class of 1969. While attending Belleville Area College, Kevin was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. He volunteered for active duty and was stationed in Seattle, Washington and Heidelberg, Germany where he wrote for the Stars and Stripes newspaper.

Upon his honorable discharge he studied and graduated from the American University of Paris, and returned to Seattle before accidentally settling in Southern California. At the time of his retirement in 2017, Kevin had been teaching students within the Orange County school system for 30+ years. He especially enjoyed sharing memories of his Belleville childhood, double features at the Lincoln Theatre, ice skating at Bellevue Park, sled riding behind St. Henry’s, Boy Scouts, Little Knights football and summers at Camp Ondessonk. His students would gather and listen with delight to Kevin’s narrative tales of the characters that shaped his early years.

Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, Anne Smith (nee Hardin) and George P. Smith; infant sister, Gerry Raye Smith and brothers, Chris and Jimmy Smith. Surviving are his three siblings in Belleville, George “Corky” Smith, Kieran John Smith and Mag (Andy) Wells; a brother, Killian Smith (Janine Howard) of Kirkwood, Missouri; his sisters, Mary Anne (Tim) Ryerse of Battle Ground, Washington and Monica Smith (Mike Scimeca)of California. Kevin was a loved brother and uncle, missed by surviving generations of nieces and nephews and cousins.

The family appreciates the long-term care of Kevin by the staff at Stearns Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Kevin’s family invites friends to join them for a Celebration of Life, on Saturday, January 3, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. at Fletchers, 6101 W. Main Street in Belleville. He will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis on Monday January 5, 2026, at 11:30 am. Contact the family for details.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home