George Quentin Smith

George Quentin Smith arrived at his earthly home on January 20, 1948. He was the sixth child and the fifth son of Warren Curtis and Cecile Mae ( Sanders ) Smith.  He was welcomed to this world by his siblings Harold, Gerald, Lura, Wiley, and Kenny. Being the fifth son he was given the middle name of Quentin...which means fifth son. He was delivered by and born on Dr. George Mitchell's birthday.  Dr. George always thought that Geo Q was named after him but he was actually named after George Shotts whom Cecile had admired but Cecile being the kind woman that she was just let Dr. George believe that her George was named after him. George was blessed with such a Godly mother and both of his parents were faithful believers so he was faithfully raised in the Marshall Missionary Baptist Church.  He was saved and baptized on August 22, 1954.  Born with that "Smith Brother charm" George liked to give each of the kindergarten girls a kiss as they got on the bus each day. He started making his own money being a paper boy at a very young age and knew every street and alley in town which prepared him for his future job as Street and Alley Superintendent.  In High School he was known for his charm, his leadership capabilities, his drag racing abilities, his burgundy Nova, that he was an avid Steeler fan and his tight pegged jeans. He met his wife Daralea when she was just 15 years old and bought her a beautiful pearl ring for her 16th birthday thus stealing her heart forever.  They were blessed to have been together for 56 years and married for 54. George served in the US ARMY during the Viet Nam War and served at Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri and Wertheim Germany. He was awarded the Sharp Shooter award and selected for Officers Candidate School. He and Daralea were married on December 29, 1966 while he was home on leave and she joined him in Germany where their first child Kimberly Beth was born. Although Kimberly wanted to be an only child just 3 years later she was surprised by a baby sister Jennifer Anke' who arrived on her birthday as a surprise, 10 years later she got a brother Quentin Harlow, and 3 years later another sister Megan Elizabeth....sadly a sibling was lost in 1979.  George always said that God said "Go forth and multiply" and so he did resulting in the births of the afore mentioned 4 children and 16 grandchildren. Emily and Zac Smith, Presley, Shelby and Tessa Branson, Ketric Smith, Madison and Amada Eitel, Morgan and Aiden Livingston, Sarah and Gabe Bender, Bella, Mytchil, Keona and Hagen George Smith. Also included in the family circle of love throughout the years were Sharon, Annabelle, Sandy, Rosie, Lois, Ann, Kay Smith and Don Wilson (deceased). George was blessed to have Randy Branson, Whitney Smith, Sandra Stice and Jake, Kevin Bender, Stephen H Eitel (deceased but never forgotten) as a part of his life. George was also richly blessed with so many adorable and amazing nieces and nephews whom he loved so dearly. During his time here on Earth George used his God given gifts as Class President, Leader in the US Army,  Sunday School teacher, Master of the Masonic Lodge, Commander of the American Legion, member of the Shrine, Supt of Street and Alley, Supt of Utilities, and Director of Public Works. George was the longest serving Board President of the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency in Springfield from 1991-2000. He had served on the board from the very first board meeting in 1984 and remained as member at large on the executive board until his retirement.  He was instrumental in supporting the original short term contracts that established the IMEA as a bulk provider. He was heavily involved in developing IMEA's original long term contracts which resulted in the the acquisition of Trimble County 1 and 2. He was a founding member of the Illinois Public Energy Agency. He received numerous awards including The Seven Hats Award which is a great honor in the world of Municipalities, He was the 4th recipient of The Gary Mackey Life Achievement Award, and was also selected to be a Kentucky Colonel. His knowledge allowed our community power rates to be locked in at various times throughout his tenure at the City of Marshall to save the community thousands of dollars. He was also instrumental in seeing that our community didn't miss out on the grant for the expansion of The Marshall Public Library. It was his idea that we have the first children's park named Harlow Park located on the corner of 2nd and Walnut.  George did so many "behind the scenes"  improvements for the City of Marshall that are too numerous to list in his 37 ½  years with the City.

He quite often let others take the credit for his numerous ideas. But in the opinion of his family the greatest contribution in his life was to his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He was extremely intelligent and always gave sound advice to any who would ask not just to his beloved family but friends and coworkers as well. As with any family or relationship there were good times and bad but the good far outnumbered the bad. Every member of his family will sorely miss his precious presence every single day that he is gone from us in his new Heavenly home until the day that God chooses to reunite us all once again.....What a day of rejoicing that will be......

Visitation will be Saturday April 17, 2021 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm CST at Marshall Baptist Church with Masonic Services by Marshall Lodge #133 A.F.& A.M. at 1:50 pm and funeral services at 2:00 pm in the church with Pastors Brian Fuller and Paul Cooper officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Marshall Cemetery. DeBaun Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family suggests that for those who desire. Memorial contributions may be made to either, VFW Veterans Relief fund or the Marshall Baptist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.debaunfuneralhomes.com 

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