Mr. Delois Smith , a life-long resident of East St. Louis, Illinois was born on April 27, 1930 . He was the fifth of seven children born to this union of Abraham Smith and Annie Hayden Smith. His parents and five siblings preceded him in death.

Mr. Smith , affectionately called " Bud " received his public education in the East St. Louis public school system, attending Dunbar Elementary School and graduating from Lincoln Senior High School in 1948. After high school he went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and subsequently began his career with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

In 1953, Mr. Smith answered the call of the draft and served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. Upon his discharge, he returned to his work at the Illinois Department of Transportation, simultaneously earning Master degrees in both Civil Engineering and Business Administration from Washington University. During his 30 plus years of employment, Mr. Smith earned the distinction of being the first African American Civil Engineer in the Illinois Department of Transportation of St. Clair County.

Mr. Smith was a life-long member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, joining at an early age under the pastorage of the late Reverend John DeShields. In his early years, he sang in the choir and worked with the Boy Scouts. However, most will remember him serving with great pride as a Sunday School Teacher, Financial Secretary and Trustee.

Bud possessed a practical outlook on life and had a giving heart. He was family oriented, demonstrating love, understanding and empathy to family members.

Bud will be remembered and sadly missed by his brother, Leman Anthony Smith; nieces, Henriette Smith Jeter, Cynthia Renee       Bryant, M.D., Charlena Smith and Antoinette Jones; nephews,   Leman Anthony, Alexander Smith, Barry Smith and Leon Smith; loyal friends, Donna Dillard and Deirde Warren; and a host of great   nieces. great nephews, other relatives, church family and close friends.