Robert Smith

Robert Livergood Smith, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24th, 2026 in his home surrounded by family in Pana. Robert was born on October 10th, 1935 in Beardstown, Illinois to Walter and Dorothy (Livergood) Smith. Bob, his parents, and his two brothers, Dave and Gary grew up on the family farm. Through most of his childhood he attended Rosamond School and then graduated from Pana High school with the class of 54’

While hanging with friends at the Pana Dairy Queen, he met Sue, his little country girl. They married on April 15th, 1956 at the Buckeye Methodist Church. They were married for 67 years and They had two kids, Rick and Rhonda.

Bob had already been a part of the Navy Reserves from 1954-1956. Bob then decided to join the Army in 56’-58’ and stayed in the reserves until 1962.

Bob’s places of employment included Running the Gulf station for a few years and then leaving there to work at Firestone for 8yrs. He then became the Co-Owner of Tri-R-Vending from 1972-1999. To many, he was known then as the “Candyman”. Once he retired from the vending service, he became a real estate agent with Grissom Schmitz from 2012-2018. He ended his career with Pana Community Hospital working as a Transport Driver from 2018-2025.

Bob had a servants heart! Starting in High School he served on many committees and became the class president where he continued to over the years planning the Class of 54’ reunions. Bob also loved his community. He was a Fearless Leader of the Jesus Loves You Ministry. He was also a part of the Park Revitalization Committee where he was a key component in helping plan the Popcorn Festival over the last 2 years. He was also a proud Mason and belonged to the Masonic Lodge 226, he was a part of the Lions Club, served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, and was an Alderman! He was chosen as the Grand Marshall of the Pana Labor Day Parade in 2010. Bob was also a lifelong member of the Pana Methodist Church where he was a part of the Methodist Men’s group!

Bob was a man of Character with a strong work ethic and a generous heart. He loved his community, his family and Sue Ann even more. If you ever ran into Bob, you were sure to be greeted with a Big smile, a firm handshake or a hug and when asked how he was…it was always “Fantastic”. His family will miss him for many reasons but most of all his smile, his hugs, and the way he would stand at the window or on his porch waving goodbye as you drove away from his home.

Bob is survived by his son, Rick (Joy) Smith of Pana and daughter, Rhonda (Wes) Drockton of Tower Hill and brother, Gary (Sharon) of Pana; 5 grandchildren: Calee (Tyler) Castle of Pana, Brock (Kari) Drockton of Decatur, Mindy (Todd) Niezgodzki of Pine, AZ, Lori Scott (Matt) of Taylorville, and Carrie (Joe) Gorden of Blue Mound. He also has 15 great grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren.

Bob is proceeded in death by his wife, Sue, his parents, his brother, David Smith, sister, Janice Smith in infancy, and 3 grandchildren: Cortinee Smith and Seth & Ashley Drockton and great-great grandchild, Caelum McLellan.

Funeral services for Bob will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Pana with military rites by Pana Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of to The Jesus Loves You Ministry or the Pana Park Revitalization Committee, if desired.
McCracken-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.