Joseph W. Smith

Joseph W. Smith, 57, of Galesburg, died peacefully with his sister, Joyce by his side at 1:08 am Friday, September 14, 2018 at Clarissa Cook Hospice, Bettendorf, IA. Joe was born July 5, 1961 in Monmouth, the son of Thomas William and Judy Lavere (Woods) Smith. Joe is survived by one son, Joseph W. Smith, II of Florida; two sisters, Joyce (Lance) Wilson of Bettendorf, IA and Annette Ryner of Galesburg; two nieces, Brianna Wilson and Erica Lawson, and two nephews, Donavon Wilson and Derek Ryner. Joe is also survived by his caretakers, Jane Hallburg, Cory Mitchell, Gaylene Humes, Doug Marshall, and Carrie Leath. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Smith and his mother and step father Judy and Charles Taylor. Despite suffering a traumatic brain injury in 1988, Joe’s spirit and resilience always impressed those around him. He also had a great sense of humor that could break any tense situation. Joe enjoyed watching movies, going out to eat and spending time with his family. Joe was of the Catholic faith. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2018 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. Burial will follow in Monmouth Cemetery, Monmouth, IL. Memorials may be directed in Joe’s memory to the Brain Association of Illinois.