Lyle Curtis "Papaw" Smith, 94, of Tuscola, IL, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2017.

Graveside Services with military rites accorded will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Tuscola Township Cemetery with Rev. Duane Piercy officiating. Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Tuscola, IL is handling the arrangements.

Lyle was born on August 9, 1922 in Decatur, IL, the son of Floyd and Rhea Curtis Smith. Lyle married Lola May Campbell on October 14, 1945. She passed away on August 16, 2013.

Survivors include his son: Randy (Terri) Smith of Champaign, daughter: Nancy (Lonnie) Von Lanken of Tuscola, granddaughter: Amber Von Lanken (Jeff Bolt) of Tuscola, great-grandson: Dawson Von Lanken-Bolt of Tuscola, two sisters: Ila Bower and Audrey Herring both of Florida, niece: Janet (Herring) and husband Lowell Hinchee of Florida, niece: Sue (Herring) Riley-Turner and husband Dennis Turner of Florida, nephew: Tom (Barbara) Bower of Florida.

Lyle graduated from Decatur High School in 1941. After graduation, Lyle enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Seabee during World War II. Upon returning home after his military obligation was fulfilled, he married the love of his life, Lola May Campbell from Newman, IL.

Lyle farmed for a few years, worked at USI Chemical Company in Tuscola, and retired from the University of Illinois, where he worked as a storekeeper.

In addition, to being a wonderful husband, father and Papaw, gardening was one of Lyle's passions. He took great pride in producing abundant vegetable crops.

Lyle was a very devout and active member of the Tuscola First Baptist Church, where he served as the treasurer for many years.

The family would like to thank Lyle's home caretakers, Janie Trammel, Sharon Helm, Pat Morrow and Penny Hensley for the special care they gave Lyle.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com