John Dean Smith

John Dean “GJ” Smith, age 51, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 1:28 A.M. on Thursday, November 5, 2020, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois.  He was born on July 22, 1969, in Centralia, Illinois, the son of John Mossberger and Evelyn Marie (Thouvenin) Smith.  He married Michelle Dian (Emrick) Mosby on May 1, 2020, at Foundation Park in Centralia, Illinois, and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his loving wife, John is survived by his children, Amber Janee Smith of Centralia, Illinois and Colton Gene Smith of Bartelso, Illinois; stepson, Trevor Mosby of Salem, Illinois; grandchildren, Jake Winstead, Ava Clinard, Nova Mosby and Isabella Clinard; brother, Loren Coval Smith of Salem, Illinois; sisters, Janet Carter and husband Gary of Centralia, Illinois and Kathy Peterson and husband Everett of Big Cabin, Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Diana Emrick of Richview, Illinois; brother-in-law, Matthew Emrick and wife Tiffany of Richview, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Mossberger and Evelyn Marie Smith.

John was of the Christian Faith.  He liked being in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and boating.  He enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife, Michelle.  He was a big fan of Star Wars.  He was a collector of HO Trains.  He loved superhero movies and helping his wife with Astro Photography.  He liked working on small home reconstruction jobs and helping his son fix his truck.  John was a Big guy with a Big heart.  He was a really goofy guy, who played practical jokes on those people he cared for.  He was a great guy, but never serious.  He would do anything for anyone and he liked to help other people.  He loved his kids and grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them.  He was the BEST father you could ask for!

John was employed with the Plant Operations at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois for 2 years.  He formerly was employed as a H-VAC Technician for Mainstream Heating and Cooling in Clarksville, Tennessee for 4 years and manager of Swifty Gas Station in Clarksville, Tennessee for 5 years.  Earlier in life, he was a Centralia Volunteer Fireman.  He received his certificate in Heating and Air Conditioning from Kaskaskia College and previously attended ITT Technical College.  He graduated with Centralia High School’s “Class of 1987.” He lived most of his life in Centralia, Illinois.

Private Family Services for Mr. John Dean Smith will be held at a later date.  There will be no public visitation nor services.   Cremation Rites accorded by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Smith’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

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