John Alexander Smith

JOHN ALEXANDER SMITH, 84, of Charleston, IL passed away peacefully at 8:17 A.M. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL.

John was born on January 29, 1940, in Charleston, IL, the eldest son of Charles Zepin and Lucy Anna (Siriani) Smith. He married Clara Mae Cotterell on November 25, 1961, in Charleston, IL.

John’s love of cars led to his career of owning and operating Cross Town Auto Body Shop in Charleson, IL for over 20 years. He enjoyed a long retirement, spending time with Clara, between their homes in Charleston, IL and Homosassa, FL.

John was a true family man, who lately, took great pleasure in playing with his great grandkids.

John is survived by his wife Clara; three children, Claudia Smith (Tammie) of Rockford, IL, Johnna Smith (Julie) of St. Louis, MO and Robert Smith (Amanda) of Alamo, TN; two grandchildren, Kathryn Smith of Alamo, TN and Caleb Smith (Lydia) of Milwaukee, WI, and five great grandchildren, Lukas, Jaelynn, Logan, C.J., and Winter.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and both of his brothers, George, and Thomas.

Graveside services will be held in the Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston, IL at a later date.