Allen J. “Red” Smith, 86, of Wayne City Illinois passed away February 11, 2021 at Cisne Rehabilitation Center of Covid.  Losing his father at a young age, Red was a self-made entrepreneur.  He lived everyday believing in hard work and honesty.  He had the utmost respect for those that did the same.  Helping many to achieve success, he was enormously generous and charitable.

Red proudly served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 being stationed in Germany.  He owned and operated a dragline service, farm tiling business, was co-owner and operator of Wayne City Drilling.  He was also a land developer, developing many acres of land and two subdivisions.  After retiring from the oil business, he spent countless hours volunteering his time cooking in his smoker helping raise funds for the Wayne City Teen Center and the Boy Scouts to name a few.

Red was born in Hamilton County to Clay and Ilene (Thomason) on March 15, 1934.  He married Mary (Legg) Smith in Texas while serving in the Army.

Red is survived by daughters- Michelle Venturi (Fiancé Danny Hamilton) of Mount Vernon and Kim Dickey (Fiancé Mike Johnson) of Wayne City; granddaughter- Summer Dickey of St Louis; grandson- Erick Dickey and wife Leigh; great granddaughter Mila Dickey; and sister-in-law Sharon Smith all of Wayne City.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife, young son Todd Allen, his parents, sisters- LaVern Campbell and Donna Wilson, and brother Larry Smith.

Due to Covid there will be a private funeral service for family will military rites provided by Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and the Wayne County Post #4535 VFW. Memorials may be made to the Allen Red Smith Scholarship fund to assist students who are pursuing a degree in an Ag related field.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the excellent caregivers throughout the years. Current caregivers are Pam Welty and Amber Davis.

Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of all the arrangements.