Dr. Fred L. Smith, 78, of Carmi, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on Saturday, November 1, 1947, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, the son of Silas Junior and Leola Jean (Richardson) Smith. Fred married Brenda Kay York on September 1, 1968, at the Free Methodist Church in Mt. Carmel. Together they shared over 57 years of marriage.
Fred owned and operated Oak Street Chiropractic Clinic with his wife for 47 years, until his retirement. He was a veteran of the United States Army Reserve. Fred was a member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a member of the American Legion and also a member, past Exalted Ruler of Carmi Elks Lodge # 1652, He also served as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the South Central District of the Illinois Association of Elks and the Chaplain for the Illinois Association of Elks. He was also highly involved in Elks charities and children’s care. Fred enjoyed going boating at Mesa Lake, refinishing furniture, woodworking, traveling, hunting, cooking out, and was known as “Mr. Fix It.” Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Fred is survived by his wife, Brenda Smith of Carmi, IL.; children, Leanna Bonczkowski of Aurora, IL. and Aaron (Amanda) Smith of Carmi, IL.; grandchildren, Bryson (Amber Moss) Sageser, Amanda Bonczkowski, Kayla Bonczkowski and Sophia Smith; siblings, Nita (John) Edwards and Phillip (Vickie) Smith; and his sister-in-law, Joyce Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Steven Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026, in the Chapel Roberts and Cook Funeral Service, 101 Edgewood Lane, Carmi, Illinois, with Tim Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Melrose Cemetery in Carmi. Family and friends may visit from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Elks Children’s Care Program and will be accepted at the funeral home. Roberts and Cook Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements.
