Calvin A. Smith

Calvin Smith, 86, formerly of Galesburg, died on January 4, 2012 at the Cresent Senior Care in Weatherford, Texas, where he moved October 16, 2010.   He was born on May 18, 1925 in Roodhouse, IL to  Virgil and Essie Casteel Smith.  He graduated from Roodhouse high school in 1943.  He entered the U.S. Navy (Seabees) in 1943, serving as a yeoman.  He served in China and the Phillipiines and was discharged in 1946.  He enrolled at Gem City business college until 1948, when he began working as a clerk on the CB&Q-BN Railroad until he retired in 1985.  He married Ellen Grafford January 6, 1951 in Pearl, IL.  He moved to Galesburg, and there he attended the Calvary Assembly of God Church, where he served as treasurer for many years.  He also played the piano at various nursing homes in Galesburg.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Essie Casteel Smith, father, Virgil Smith.  a sister Marion Nebergall and nephew Virgil Nebergall.  He is survived by his wife Ellen, nieces, and cousins.  Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. at the Fernwood Cemetery in Roodhouse, IL on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg.  Visit www.watsonfh.net to share condolences.