Russell Darrell Smith

January 11, 1932 – June 17, 2026

Russell Darrell Smith, 94, of Virginia, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 11, 1932, in Cass County, the son of Granville and Thelma (Clemons) Smith. On February 14, 1953, he married the love of his life, Lavelda Phelps, in Great Falls, Montana. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2019, after more than 66 years of beautiful marriage.

Darrell is survived by his five children: Patti Cave of Springfield, Steve Smith of Virginia, Ronnie (Tacy) Smith of Chandlerville, Jeff (Jody) Smith of Havana, and Brad (Tracy) Smith of Elizabethtown, KY. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many bonus children they accepted into their family as their own, one being a special "adopted" daughter Val Sommer. Last but certainly not least his dear faithful canine companion, Tinker.

A Life of Service, Farming, and Family

Darrell began his education at Quebec School, a historic one-room schoolhouse, and later graduated from Virginia High School. He proudly served his country as a pharmacy technician during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he dedicated his life to the land, primarily working as a cattleman and farmer. He also served his community as a postal worker and as a custodian for the Virginia Community Unit School District 64.

Darrell took immense pride in the family farm, holding tight to the cherished memories he and Lavelda created there while raising their children during the "good ol' days." Darrell was a man of the Methodist faith. In his younger years he enjoyed square dancing, woodworking, and taking motorcycle trips across the country with Lavelda.  More recent years he enjoyed spending his time with family and taking drives with his buddy, Tinker.

Above all else, Darrell loved spending time with his family. He truly loved his family, leaving behind a profound legacy that makes them all deeply proud to be a Smith.

Quiet Wisdom and Lasting Legacy

One of Darrell's favorite things to do was simply to sit back and listen to the laughter and conversation of the loved ones surrounding him. A quiet observer, he often captured his thoughts, memories, and wisdom on pads of ledger paper. The handwritten notes he left behind serve as a lasting testament to a love for his family that ran deeper than anyone fully understood. The beautiful bond Darrell and Lavelda shared created a family legacy that carries on today—a living glimpse of those treasured "good ol' days."

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a private family committal service will be held at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.