Henry Smessaert, 88, of Aledo died on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010 at Mercer County Hospital, Aledo.
Services were 11 a.m. Monday at Bewley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Aledo. Visitation took place from 4 - 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial was at the Aledo Cemetery with military rites by the American Legion. Memorials may be made to the Henry Smessaert Memorial fund.
He was born Oct. 14, 1921 in Hillsdale, the son of Julius and Aleda Von De Somple Smessaert. He married Mary Macklin Johnson in Viola, on Nov. 15, 1957. She died on April 13, 2003.
Henry was a World War II veteran serving in the Army. He served a tour of duty in the Philippines and Japan. He was a Corpsman medic. He received two Bronze Stars, a Presidential Citation, Good Conduct Medal and Philippine Liberation Medal. Henry was a member of the Aledo American Legion Post 121 for more than 27 years where he held every office. He was the 14th District Commander twice. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, 40 and 8, Lions Club, a Charter member and Past President of the Edwards River Earth Science Club and a longtime member of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as well as a leader for several years. Henry worked for various implement dealers as a tractor mechanic. He retired from the Mercer County Nursing Home Maintenance Department after 17 years.
Henry was a member of the First Baptist Church, Joy. He enjoyed carpentry and his grandchildren.
Survivors include his children, Richard J. Smessaert, Aledo and Margaret (Gordon) Campbell, Kaukauna, Wis.; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three sisters; two sons and four grandchildren.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at bewleyfuneralhome.com.
Aledo, Ill. —
