Willard D. Smith, 90, Lifelong Cary Resident, Owner of W. Smith Cartage Co.

Willard Duane Smith, 90, a lifelong resident of Cary, peacefully passed away Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at his home. 

He was born Aug. 20, 1923, in Cary to the late Charles and Anna Smith.

He was united in marriage to Virgene Miller on Dec. 7, 1947, in Dundee. 

Willard was a decorated World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army and receiving four bronze battle stars.

He was a second generation owner of W. Smith Cartage Company since 1945, a member of the Midwest Truckers Association, was Trucker of the Year in 1996, was a trustee at Cary Fire Department from 1982-1989, and was a member of the Cary American Legion/VFW. 

He was a very kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed music, dancing, but most of all spending time with his family. Willard was taken care of by wonderful caregivers, who loved him very much.

He will be missed very much by his family, friends, and colleagues. 

Willard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Virgene K.; children, Thomas Smith of Cary, James (Betty) Smith of Cary, Steven (Mary) Smith of Woodstock, Susan (Gary) Lindsley of Lake in the Hills, Sharon (Dick Ormsby) Kunz of Crystal Lake, Mariann (Greg) Hoeft-Werderitch of Crystal Lake, Patricia (William) Downey of Crystal Lake, and Charlie (Gale) Smith of Crystal Lake; grandchildren, Tom Smith of Merced, CA, James (Karyn) Smith of Plainfield, Jeffrey (Nicky) Smith of Algonquin, Jeremy (Kristen Schnell) Smith of Cary, Steven (Megan) Smith of Crystal Lake, Bradley (Ashley) Smith of Huntley, Kristen (John) Cannon of Marengo, Tonya (Ryan Rasmussen) Reinwand of Chicago, Marty (Nicole) Kunz of McHenry, Kimberly Kunz of McHenry, Daniel Hoeft of Crystal Lake, Katie (Aaron Stout) Hoeft of Chicago, and Scott (Rachel) Carlson of Mears Silver Lake, MI; and 10 great-grandchildren (with two on the way). 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, April Reinwand; and sons-in-law, Daniel Hoeft and William Reinwand. 

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Route 176, Crystal Lake. 

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, at the funeral home.

The interment will follow the service at River Valley Memorial Gardens, West Dundee. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Willard’s name may be made to the Cary Fire Protection District, for the benefit of the Emergency Medical Service (please note EMS on check memo line), 400 Cary-Algonquin Rd., Cary, IL 60013.