Daniel A. Smith, Jr., 81, of Streator passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026 at his residence in Streator.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 A.M. Friday, April 10th at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.
Visitation will be from 9-11 A.M. Friday, April 10th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.
Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Streator. Full military rites will be accorded by members of the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492 and the Long Point American Legion Post 1217. Pallbearers will be his son, Dan Smith; grandsons, Andrew Ross, Matthew Ross and Michael Hays; a nephew, Robert Samek; and his good neighbor, Rob Drysdale.
Born December 5, 1944 in Marseilles he was the son of Daniel Smith Sr. and Della Lorraine (Scott) Smith. He married Elsie Samek on May 3, 1969 at St. Stephen’s Church.
He is survived by his wife, Elsie Smith of Streator; daughters, Patty Sue (Randy) Ross of Streator and Christine Hays of Streator; a son, Daniel A. Smith III of Streator; grandchildren, Andrew (Kabri) Ross, Michelle Ross, Matthew Ross, Michael Hays, Angela Hays and Amanda Hays all of Streator; 2 great granddaughters; several nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Sandra Lavelle, Roberta Ward and Billie Rae Johnson.
Born and raised in Marseilles he attended Marseilles grade schools and graduated from Marseilles High School.
After High School he was drafted into the United States Army and spent time serving in Vietnam.
He worked through the years for Knoedler’s Manufacturing and Anthony Company. He later worked for Thatcher’s Glass Company for 24 years until the plant closure. He then worked at glass factories in Plainfield and Lincoln until his retirement.
He was a member o the former St. Stephen’s Church and currently belonged to St. Michael the Archangel Church. He was also a member of the Marseilles American Legion.
Memorials may be directed to St. Michael the Archangel Church in Streator, Illinois.
Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.solontelford.com
