Sherman J. Smith Jr., 96, of Collinsville, Ill., born on Sept. 20, 1916, in Spokane, Wash., died at 3:05 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at his residence.

Mr. Smith was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He had retired from the U.S. Air Force after 23 years of service at the rank of Major.

Sherman was preceded in death by his wife, Vera, nee Schiavonne, Smith, whom he married on Jan. 18, 1947; parents, Sherman J. and Margaret, nee James, Smith; and a brother, William R. Smith.

Surviving are his sons, Sherman (Christy) Smith of Collinsville, Ill., and William R. (Kathy) Smith of Brighton, Ill.; daughter, Charmaine Smith-Warden of Couer D'Alene, Idaho; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, at the funeral home with the Rev. Sherman Smith officiating. Interment will be at Avalon Cemetery Catalina Island in Avalon, Calif. 90704.