Thomas William Smith, 56, of Jerseyville, died unexpectedly at 5:42 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in the Emergency Room at Jersey Community Hospital.
Born on January 29, 1970, in Jerseyville, Tom was a lifelong resident of the community and graduated with the Class of 1988 from Jersey Community High School.
Tom was self-employed as a title searcher, a career well suited to his hardworking nature and determination. He understood the value of putting in an honest day's work and carried that same sense of dedication into the relationships that mattered most to him.
Music was a constant throughout Tom's life. He was raised on Elvis, and that early introduction sparked a lifelong appreciation for music of all kinds. He loved attending concerts, enjoyed karaoke and was never one to pass up the opportunity for a good song or a good time. Many of his happiest memories were made simply enjoying life alongside the people he loved.
Tom was formerly married to Kelly (Roach) Stearns, and together they became the parents of three children, Taylor, Kaylin and Mitchell. To Tom, his children were pure gold. He loved them deeply and was immensely proud of each of them. The arrival of his granddaughter, Rachel, brought another special kind of joy to his life and gave him one more person to love and cherish.
Family was at the very center of Tom's world. He shared an especially close and treasured bond with his mother, Barbara. The connection between a mother and son is difficult to put into words, and theirs was one built through a lifetime of love, loyalty and simply being there for one another. He also found great happiness with his loving companion, Jennifer. Together, Tom and Jennifer shared countless good times, laughter, adventures and memories that will remain especially meaningful in the days and years ahead.
Tom's sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His family will miss his presence in all the ordinary moments that, in hindsight, become some of life's most treasured memories, the conversations, the laughter, the music and simply knowing he was there.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara (Crotchett) Ketchum of Jerseyville; his three children, Taylor James Smith of Jerseyville, Kaylin Mae (Ryan) Root of Lafayette, Colorado, and Mitchell Bryce Smith of Jerseyville; his granddaughter, Rachel Allison Root; a brother and sister-in-law, Michael David (Jennifer) Alexander of Gillespie; his loving companion, Jennifer Lynn Iberg; as well as his father, Lonnie.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Elizabeth Crotchett.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 30. Rev. Jacob Johanson will officiate.
Burial will follow at Kane Cemetery in Kane.
Memorials may be given to the family, to assist in the placement of a monument at Tom's gravesite.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com