Gerald “Jerry” Smith, 75, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois passed away at 3:00 A.M. on Friday, July 26, 2013 at his home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Jerry was born on June 24, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois the son of the late Charles and Lucille (Miller) Smith.  He married Patricia Young Marcotte on February 2, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. Surviving family members include his wife: Patricia Yvonne Smith of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; 2 brothers: Donald Smith and wife Jayneyce of Montgomery, Illinois and Fred Smith and partner Everett of San Diego, California; sister-in-law: Kathleen Elkins and husband Kyle of Valparaiso, Indiana; 22 nieces and nephews also survive. His parents, inlaws: Armand and Theresa Marcotte, five brothers: Ralph, Bill, Jim, Bobby and Howard Smith and two sisters: Betty Powell and Patricia Weichinger preceded him in death.    Jerry served in the U.S. Air Force, was an electrician for Union Local 134 in Chicago, Illinois, was an avid investor, tinkerer, he enjoyed home repair projects, beer making and taking care of his 40 acres. He was a avid book reader who loved visiting with people and was quite a conversationalist.    Celebration of Life Service: will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 2, 2013 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Father Robert Zwilling will officiate. VISITATION: In honor of his wishes he will be cremated and a Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 9:00 A.M. until service time 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 2, 2013 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. For those who wish, memorials may be given to Lifeboat Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864.