Thurman Lee Smith

February 7, 1944 - April 29, 2021

Thurman Lee Smith passed away on April 29, 2021, at his home in St. Louis, MO. Born February 7, 1944, in East St. Louis, IL, he was the son of Thurman Alonzo and Lois Ivern Brown Smith. He was raised in Dupo, IL and graduated from Dupo Community High School, Class of 1962. He completed his B.A. and M.A. at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, continuing on to complete his Ph.D. in History at St. Louis University. Thurman was on faculty at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) as a Professor of History from September 2, 1969, to May 31, 2001, and was made Professor Emeritus after his retirement. Thurman helped lead the management, travel, and course presentation of the European overseas study program for LLCC. He received numerous national and international awards, as well as recognition for the work he performed. In the years following his retirement, Thurman traveled extensively throughout the world enjoying his love of history, art, geography, archeology and sports – areas in which his children and grandchildren have subsequently followed in his footsteps. Thurman was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Survivors include a daughter Marlo C. Powell, nee Smith (husband John) of Spotsylvania, VA, sons Todd C. Smith of Springfield, IL and Tyler M. Smith of Waco, TX; grandchildren Maxwell J. Powell, Hunter J. Powell, Adriana L. Smith, Luke X. Horner, Samuel N. Horner, and Charles R. Horner; stepson Brad A. Hassebrock (wife Margaret) of Glasgow, Scotland; step granddaughter, Holly Kinsella; and a brother Randall K. Smith (wife Brenda) of Columbia, IL. A private remembrance will be held at a later date. Thurman was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years, Deborah Smith, nee Donaldson, and his parents Thurman A. and Lois I. Smith. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the LLCC Foundation, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL 62703 or www.llccfoundation.org/donate to establish a scholarship in the memory of Dr. and Mrs. Thurman L. Smith. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home, 326 S. Main St., Dupo, Illinois, 62239. To express condolences or share memories, please visit www.leesmanfuneralhome.com.