William Dale Smith of Dowell

William Dale Smith, 76, of Dowell, passed away at 5:05 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020 at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Dale was the owner and operator of Veterans Inn in Dowell for 36 years. He was also an electrician and operator at Freeman Coal #11 United Electric Coal Mine and a member of the UMWA.

He was a member of the Protection of Virgin Mary Orthodox Church at Royalton.

Dale was born Oct. 4, 1943 at Du Quoin, Illinois, the son of Edna Fischer.

He married Joann C. Kmucha on Feb. 17, 1963 at Royalton, and she survives.

Dale is survived by his wife, of Dowell; three children, Rodney (Lisa) Smith of Dowell, Julie (Mark) Behm of Du Quoin and Jeffrey Smith of Du Quoin; one sister, Shirley Buhrmester of Du Quoin; one brother, Harry Fischer of California; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Staci, Emily, Grace, Hannah, Dakota, Hunter and Cody; two great- grandchildren, Beau and Tate, and two great-grandchildren on the way.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Private graveside services will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at the Protection of Virgin Mary Orthodox Cemetery at Royalton, with Fr. John Pawelchak officiating.

Burial will be in the Protection of Virgin Mary Orthodox Cemetery at Royalton.

Friends may make memorials to the Protection of Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, which will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.