Ernest W. (Zeke) Smith – Benton, IL

Ernest W. (Zeke) Smith, 79, of Benton passed away at 12:00 noon on Monday, November 1, 2021 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Mr. Smith was born in Benton, IL on December 14, 1941, the son of William G. & Birdie (Roberts) Smith.

Mr. Smith was an excellent horse trainer, and worked road construction. He loved hunting, fishing & animals but the most important thing to him was his family.

He leaves behind:
1 Son: Carl Smith & wife Nancy of Caseyville
Loving Companion: Mary Jane Tasky of Benton
Daughter: Crystal Balota of Benton
5 Grandchildren:
Miranda Frailey
Caylie Smith
Ashley
Nikki
Brandon
Great-Granddaughter: Stella Frailey
Mary Jane’s children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren
3 Brothers:
Jim Smith & wife Virginia
Gene Smith
Gary Smith
6 Sisters:
Judy & MIke Ward
Edna Fotheringhame
Nita Adams
Geneva Smith
Jeannette Tasky
Dorothy Cockrum
Several Nieces & Nephews to numerous to mention
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his mother & father Bill & Birdie Smith, Granddaughter-Carly Smith, brothers- Robert, Dale, John C., sisters-Eunice Conner, Mary Hobbie & Sharon Heinrich.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 5th at the Morton & Johnston Funneral Home in Benton with Rev. Don Colson officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com