Gary Wayne Smith

Gary Wayne Smith, 66, of La Salle, passed away peacefully at his home on April 18, 2025 surrounded by family.

A Celebration of Life will be 5:00 PM Saturday, April 26, at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle with Gary's brother, Bob, conducting the service. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 3:00 PM until time of service.

Gary was born in La Salle on April 11, 1959 to Robert and Judith (Benedict) Smith. He worked as a union carpenter and with the nuclear power plant shutdowns. He enjoyed fishing and gardening. He was an avid Cubs fan. Gary’s grandchildren meant the world to him. He was talented in carpentry and could tell great jokes.

Gary is survived by four daughters Nicole (Ken) Carlson of MI, Elizabeth “Liz” (Justeen) Smith, of MT, Kileigh Smith of La Salle, and Kloey Smith of La Salle; his mother Judy Smith of Peru; three brothers, Bob (Mary) Smith of SC, Jim Smith of IN, and Craig (Barbie) Smith of La Salle; two sisters Jill Smith of FL and Joy Smith of Peru; nine grandchildren, Claire, Reagan, MaKenna, and Charlee Carlson, Giulianna Smith, Leon Kmetz, Benny Erwin, Athena Kmetz, and Elaina Ball; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, grandmother Dorothy Benedict, and niece Julia Smith.

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