Eugene "Gene" Gerald Smith, 73, of Glen Carbon, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL. He was born on August 1, 1952, in Lansing, MI.

Gene proudly served as a corrections officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections, retiring after 25 years of dedicated service. Gene had a remarkable talent for building and repairing just about anything; as a self-taught tinkerer, he was curious and determined to solve any problem. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and enjoyed collecting shoes, playing card games, couponing, and traveling.

Gene was lovingly known as the "Domino King of Keystone". Above all else, he cherished time spent with his family, who meant everything to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Rosaline (née Pohl) Smith; two brothers; and one sister.

Eugene is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Linda Anne "Lin" (née Myles) Smith, whom he married on October 29, 1977; two daughters, Jennifer (Bradley) Pierson and Rebecca (Jason) Dockery; three cherished grandchildren, Tyler, Charlotte, and Violet; seven brothers; two sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Gene's wishes, he will be cremated, and no public services will be held.