Maurice "Dale" Smith

Maurice “Dale” Smith, 75, of Rossville, passed away at 12:35 p.m. January 29, 2019, at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center.

Dale was born on January 15, 1944, in Rockport, Indiana, the son of Wilfred and Imogene (Huffman) Smith. He is survived by his wife, Janet Sue (France) Smith.  Dale and Janet were married on October 29, 1966, in Booneville, Indiana.  After 52 years, they were able plant permanent roots in Rossville, Illinois, raise two children, celebrate grandchildren, and retire together to enjoy their home, community, and church family at First Presbyterian in Hoopeston.

He is survived by two sons- Matthew Dale (Brenda) Smith of Georgetown, Illinois and Marshall Dean (Katie) Smith of Yorba Linda, California; five grandchildren- Hannah, Riley, Landyn, Nolan and Addaley; one brother- Dennis (Denise) Smith of Florida; two sisters- Sandra (Bob) Hoehn of Indiana and Twyla (Earl) Gimlich of Georgia; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Dale graduated from Mount Vernon High School, in Mount Vernon, Indiana, he later was awarded a scholarship playing baseball for the Clemson Tigers in South Carolina, and graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s of Arts and Science Degree.  Upon graduation, Dale enrolled in to the United Theological Seminary receiving a Master in Divinity. Dale served as a minister for the United Methodist Church in Southern Indiana until retirement.   He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hoopeston serving as an Elder and Deacon. He also served as Commissioner to the Presbytery.   Dale enjoyed spending time with his family, serving others in need, traveling, reading, listening to music, and being active in nature conservancy. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church, in Hoopeston, with Pastor Wade Meranda and Pastor Dan Hunt officiating.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, at the church.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Dale’s life.  Memories or photos may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

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