Shannon L. Smith

Marion- Shannon L. Smith, 85, of Marion, formerly of Crab Orchard, passed away at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at Angel Acres in Marion. Shannon was born on September 24, 1921 in Williamson County to Raymond O. & Adell (Moulton) Smith. He married Mildred Cheezem on September 25, 1942 in Charleston, MO. She survives of Marion. Mr. Smith served his country during WWII while enlisted in the US Army. Once honorably discharged, he went in with his father at Smith & Son Market in Crab Orchard. Smith & Son was a thriving market in Crab Orchard which featured groceries, but offered everything from furniture & appliances to carpet. After his retirement from the market in 1977, he and longtime friend and partner, Tilden Bossie Parks went into the cattle business. They remained active in livestock farming until recently. It was Tilden who tried to encourage Shannon to get better with hopes of buying a new farm. Shannon was one of the founding directors of Community Savings and Loan in Marion. Shannon was an active member of Crab Orchard United Methodist Church. He also belonged to the Marion VFW and Masonic Fellowship Hall #89 in Marion. He was a member of the Inner Circle at Pulleys and enjoyed fellowship and coffee with his many friends. In his spare time he enjoyed traveling to the Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg with his wife and family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include: Wife- Mildred Smith- Marion Daughter and son in law- Aleta & Danny Gray of Crab Orchard Grandchild- Beth Jordan & husband Bill of Creal Springs Grandchild- Dana Dixon & husband Steve of Marion Seven Great Grandchildren: Lucas Ude of Marion Lauren Ude of Marion Zachary Midgett of Marion Brent Jordan of Creal Springs Ben Jordan of Creal Springs Bridget Jordan of Creal Springs Braydon Dixon of Marion Brother & sister in law- Don & Joan Smith of Marion Sister- Mildred Parker of Chicago Sister- Jean Hays of Loveland, CO Many nieces & nephews and a host of close friends He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson- Jim Ude and two sisters- Velma McCollum & Yvonne Smith. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, March 16, 2007 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Rev. Frank Pierce will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Marion American Legion and VFW Posts. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Thursday, March 15, 2007 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral home in Marion. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, Hospice of Southern Illinois or Crab Orchard United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.