Duane "Smitty" Smith

Duane "Smitty" Smith, age 70, of Thomson, Illinois died Thursday, November 9, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center, in Clinton, Iowa. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2006 at the Thomson United Methodist Church, Thomson. Burial will take place at the Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. Reverend Paul Judd of the Thomson United Methodist Church, Thomson will officiate. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2006 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Thomson. Memorials may be given in Duane’s name to fight breast cancer,at the Community Bank, PO Box 1120 Wilton, Iowa 52778.
Duane was born October 4, 1936, in Thomson, Illinois, the son of Donald and Dora (Eacker) Smith. He graduated from Thomson High School with the Class of 1955. Duane married Barbara Drexler in Clinton, Iowa on October 31, 1964. She died in 1976. On June 11, 1977, Duane married Shirley Dusheck in Clinton, Iowa.
Duane enjoyed a thirty-nine year career at International Paper, Clinton, Iowa, retiring in 1998. After retirement, Duane was rarely idle. He worked as a caretaker of fifty-four apartments in four communities and also donated his time doing odd jobs for the elderly and anyone in need. He was a significant contributor to the Watermelon Days celebration in Thomson. Duane enjoyed hunting with his dog, Jake, fishing, gardening and working with his hands.
Duane will be dearly missed by his wife, Shirley Smith of Thomson, Illinois; three daughters, Denise (Steve) Horner of Wilton, Iowa, Kathy (Michael) Proctor of LaVerkin, Utah, Sherami Kenworthy of Clinton, Iowa; a son, Scott (Tara) Smith of Clinton, Iowa; and ten grandchildren. Duane is preceded in death by his first wife and both parents.