Jesse Verl Smith, age 91, a lifelong resident of New Columbia, Illinois, was born on October 22, 1934, the son of Lloyd and Theodora (Moll) Smith. He departed this life for his heavenly reward on May 29, 2026, at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis, Illinois.

Verl married the love of his life, Ruth Ann (Hudgens) Smith, on March 29, 1957. Together they shared more than 52 years of marriage until her passing on October 5, 2009.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Frank Forthman officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Verl was a lifelong farmer who raised hogs, cattle, corn, and soybeans. He was a loving husband, father, and Papa whose family was the center of his life. He was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church and proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was drafted in 1957, did his basic training at Ft. Carson, CO, his armor training at Ft. Knox, KY, then was stationed in Ft. Richards, AK serving with a Mechanized Infantry Unit until he was discharged in 1959.

Verl is survived by his son, Steven Allen Smith and wife, Sally; daughter, Deborah Kay Hickey and husband, John; grandchildren, Rebecca Hollis and husband, Edward, Dustin Smith and wife, Jeanice, Jessica Bremer and husband, Ben, Katherine Little, Lisa Albers and husband, Paul, Jennifer Smith and husband, Tom, and Allison Pontious and husband, Stephen; great-grandchildren, Emma Hollis, Claire Hollis, Aidan Smith, Ryder Smith, Liam Smith, Ava Smith, Anniston Bremer, Carter Bremer, Decklyn Little, Landen Little, Lilah Ruth Albers, Elizabeth Chinowth, Emily Chinowth, Abby Smith, Andrew John Smith, Jackson Pontious, Ava Pontious, and Logan Pontious; sisters, Francis Goins and Barbara Rohrer; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Ruth Ann Smith; daughter, Tammy Renea Smith; sisters, Virginia Black, Iva Hines, and Lula Dickson; and brothers, Carl Smith, Laverne Smith, his twin brother Earl Smith, and Charles Smith.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 1 pm to 2 pm at New Hope Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Verl's memory to New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Bobby Tavis, 5721 Black Hill Road, Belknap, Illinois 62908.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home