Gary Smith

Gary Dean Smith passed away at his home with family on September 16, 2021. Gary was born on July 6th, 1958, in Newton, Kansas, to Gerald and Anita (Calbert) Smith. Gary spent his early life on the move with his family. His father helped build power plants and they finally settled in Illinois when his father became president of the company's union. Gary fondly recalled many happy times playing with his brothers until dark. A new station wagon was quite exciting because the whole family helped pick it out. Gary was the second of four boys - Mark, Gary, Bob and Scott. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Bob. He is survived by his wife, sons, brothers Mark (Marla) and Scott (Stacy) and children from his first marriage to Lori Peiffer, Jessie, Aubrey and Ryan. Gary left school at 16 and moved back to Newton before joining the Marines at 18 with two of his best friends, Eugene Hushbeck and Greg Graevs. Gary was able to earn his High School diploma while in the marines and was very proud of that accomplishment. Joining the Marines was pivotal in Gary’s life, he always said it was the best decision he ever made. Gary married Mary Kathryn Teglovic-Smith on October 24, 1992. They had two sons, Cooper Dean and Wyatt Allen. Gary loved listening to great guitar players and classic rock any time he could. He fell in love with baseball when his father took him to his first Saint Louis Cardinals game as a young boy. Dogs, especially German Shepards, were his passion. Growing up, his grandpa Calbert was the most influential person in his life. Gary found great joy in playing, fixing and breaking phones and computers. He had to start every day with the perfect cup of coffee. If you would like to attend his celebration of life, please use the link below for directions and details as well as to RSVP. You can find this information on Adamsoncares.com as well. https://forms.gle/6HLkzRw53GWXkCDz9