John W. Smith

John W. Smith, 80, of New Baden, IL, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at HSHS St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

He was born on July 13, 1946, in East St. Louis, IL, to William L. Smith and Violet M. Swager.

John was deeply committed to helping people in all his professional careers as well as the community. He had a vast education that included, Bachelor of Science in Magazine Journalism, National and State certified Emergency Medical Technician, Certified in Nursing Assistance Training Program, and finished with a Masters in Interdisciplinary Graduate Sequence in Gerontology. In all of John’s careers he used his education, skills in photography, and journalism to better the lives of others. His community contributions were to go regularly for blood donation and serve as operation Sergeant’s Assistant for the Kern County Sheriff in Bakersfield, CA, where he assisted in Search & Rescue becoming a Top 10 Responder in 2020. John was a retired Military Veteran, serving his country in the U.S. Naval Air Reserve, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, 204th Military Police Battalion, 932nd Aeromedical Airlift Group, 943rd Tactical Airlift Group. After the military, he dedicated himself to implementing better care for elderly patients and better coordination for the employees under his supervision. After retiring, John became a published author with a body of work starting with short story collections and blossoming into novelettes and a novel. John’s patriotism, dedication, creativity, love, wit, humor, and care that he showed, will make him sorely missed. We are certain John is in his happy place since he claimed “the devil still had a restraining order.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Smith and Violet Swagger

John is survived by his extended family members, Sandy (Ken) Maue, and Jennifer (Kane) Freeman. Good friend Howard (Gwen) Smith and many, many friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

Memorial Visitation: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Memorial Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 12:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL. Lunch will immediately follow at the Highland V.F.W.

Interment: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL