Chester Smith Obituary

CHESTER L. SMITH Chester L. "Chet", "Smitty" Smith, age 81, a longtime resident of Naperville, Illinois, formerly of Woodridge, Illlinois, died Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at Seasons Hospice Home, in Naperville. He was born August 25, 1931 in Melrose Park, Illinios. Beloved fianc? and companion of Carolyn Urban, loving father of David L. (Ann Elizabeth) Smith of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dean C. (Stephanie) Smith of Woodridge and Anne Marie Smith of Hinsdale, Illinois, adored grandfather of Jordan D., Austin J. , Dylan T. and Gabrielle E. Smith and Abigail Hone, fond uncle of many. Marcia J. Hall Smith, the mother of Chet 's children, preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his infant son, Russell C. Smith, his parents, Charles L., Sr. and Naomi (nee Booth) Smith and a brother, Charles C. Smith. Chet grew up in Chicago 's Austin neighborhood, and was a graduate of Austin High School. He served with the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Okinawa, during the Korean War, attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and worked as an accountant for many years. Chet loved sports, especially basketball and baseball. He helped start Little League baseball in Woodridge, and was part of a group that helped to build the city 's first two little league fields. Chet was also responsible for organizing the first youth and adult basketball leagues in Woodridge. Chet played, coached and worked as a basketball referee (including high school) for many years. His love of these sports did not diminish with age. Chet was a member and pitcher on an Over Thirty baseball league into his sixties, and won a gold medal on a cruise ship basketball tournament in his seventies. He was a master bridge player, an avid and long suffering Chicago Cub fan, and enjoyed his trips to area casinos. Memorial Visitation was Monday, April 29, 5:00-8:00 P.M., at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville. Memorial services followed Monday, 8:00 P.M., in the funeral home with Rev. Michael Huber officiating. Interment: Private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Seasons Hospice Home, 2195 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois, 60563, (800) 570-8809, www.seasons.org For online condolences or to share a memory, visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630)355-0213.