Charles Lynn Smith

Charles Lynn Smith, 54, of Decatur, Ill., passed away of an unexpected heart attack at 5:54 a.m., Friday, March 20, 2009, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Services to celebrate Lynn's life will be held at 10 am Monday, March 23, in the Chapel of Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, conducted by Pastor Adam Cruse. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Sunday at the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Interment with the "Flight Home" Ceremony will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or to the American Liver Foundation. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.

Lynn was born on Aug. 13, 1954, in Moline, Ill., a son of Harold Grant and Juanita (Douglass) Smith. Lynn was an ordained minister with the Southern Baptist Church and worked at ADM. A devout Christian, he spent every moment he could at the church, immersing himself in his faith. Saying he was a man of God would be an understatement. His passion for Christ was matched only by his passion for people to know God's Word. Lynn was the kind of man who touched the hearts of anyone he came into contact with. He was giving and willing to take that extra step to see to others needs and never let his faith waiver in the times of hardship and trial. Instead, during those times of hardship, it galvanized his beliefs, making him more fervent than ever to spread God's message. His faith was and will always be his legacy. His life revolved around it and all who know him know this already.

Lynn was a devoted husband, dedicated family man, father and a playful grandfather. He leaves behind his wife Diane; daughter, Heather Shuffit and her husband Brad, of Decatur, Ill.; son, David Smith, of Decatur, Ill.; his mother, Juanita Smith, of Nevada; brothers, Doug Smith and his wife Jean, of East Moline, Ill., and Allen Smith and his wife Sandy of Parkview, Mo.; sister, Carolyn Smith, of Tyler, Texas; and five grandchildren, Brody, Logan, Luke, Chloe and Kelan.

He has joined his son, Chad, and his father Harold, who have gone to heaven before him.

Lynn was always a comedian and even during this time and moment, we believe he would find something to joke about in all this. We know this because he is my husband and our father and we are proud to be called his family. You will be missed, by one and all who knew you. That too, is an understatement.