Paul Edward Smith of Carbondale

Paul Edward Smith passed away May 9, 2018.

Paul was the firstborn of Charles and Mary (Schumacher) Smith, born May 15, 1941, in Carbondale. He married Marylyn Sue Miller Sept. 29, 1959, and they raised their two children together: Paula Sue and Michael. Later he married Joan Andrews Durrett May 6, 1984, and they had many wonderful years together.

He spent his life as a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He grew up in the automotive business and was a well respected auto mechanic for many years, and along with his family ran Smith Dodge, Inc. as its president after his mother and father retired.

Paul had many accomplishments in his life. He was a self-starter and a life-long learner. There was no challenge big enough for Paul, and he could do anything whether it was electrical, plumbing, taxes, real estate, home improvement, or rebuilding/restoring cars and boats. He loved to boat and camp, and spent a lot of time at Crab Orchard Lake and river boating with family and friends. At 50 he got his pilot license and loved to fly his Cessna. He was a proud member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), the Elks, the Eagles and was a man of faith. All who knew him could always depend on him to help them. He left a wonderful legacy of unconditional love and friendship.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Paula Sue Smith (Keith) Feigenbaum; siblings Phil (Wilma) Smith, Pam (Gordon) Rands, Penny Smith (Karl Prusacki) and Perry Smith (Jamie Wynn); grandchildren Eric Goff (Shannon Hunter) and Alex Schmidgall; great-grandson Liam Eric Bollinger Schmidgall; stepsons Jeff (Yumiko) Hoskins and Chris Hoskins, residing in Tokyo, Japan; stepdaughter-in-law Shawn (Terry) Hoskins of Dallas, Texas; step-grandsons Steven Hoskins of Dallas, Texas, Daniel Hoskins of Newalla, Okla., and Ginga Hoskins of Japan; step-grandaughter Amber Mendoza; great-step-grandchildren Emmett Hoskins, Chelsea Garrett and Wade Garrett; and nieces and nephews Ami Smith (Mike) Bowen, Katie Rands (Greg) Wharton; Jennie (Cody) Christopherson, Hilary (Tim) Cook, Geoff (Emily) Rands, Julia Rands (TJ) Peper and Dillon Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joan; son Michael; stepson Terry Hoskins; niece Kim Smith; and nephew Phillip Smith.

Visitation was from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 14 at Walker Funeral Home. A brief memorial was held at 6:30 p.m. A life/birthday celebration started at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 15.

It is asked that there be no flowers please. Donations may be made in his name to the Shriner's Hospital.