Darren Smith

Darren Edwin Smith, 54, of Davis Junction passed away in his home on May 3, 2023. He was born April 16, 1969, in Mendota, IL, the son of Lyle and Tracy (Werner) Smith. He graduated from Earlville High School in 1987 in Earlville, IL and then graduated from Rockford College in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He started working for LaMonica Beverages as a driver and salesman in March of 1993 and went on to be the operations manager in 2001. Darren loved all sports and played baseball for Illinois Valley Community College. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Green Bay Packers, and the Byron Tigers. He enjoyed going fishing with his son Braden and father Lyle. He loved to visit Rilee at college for family events and football games. He was passionate about spending time with his children whether it was as simple as going out to dinner, vacation, or going to a sporting event. Rilee “Ri” and Braden ”Hey, Bud” were his pride and joy. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
Survivors include his children Rilee and Braden Smith; parents Lyle and Tracy Smith; sister Kelly Kuhn; nieces Allison and Emily Kuhn; special friend Candy Knepper; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and the mother of his children Julie Powless. He is predeceased by his maternal grandparents Harvey and Gertrude Werner; paternal grandparents Gale, Sr. and Barbara Smith; and uncle Gale Smith, Jr. There will be a memorial service at 4 pm, Monday, May 8, 2023, at Prairie View Golf Club at the Pavilion, 6734 N. German Church Rd., Byron, IL 61010. A Celebration of Life will continue after the service until 8 pm at the Pavilion. The family is requesting that guests wear either one of Darren’s favorite teams, or a sports team of their preference. Donations may be sent to the Byron Bank in Rilee and Braden Smith’s names. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com