Roger P. Smallwood, 85, of Alexis, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, IA, surrounded by family.
He was born March 20, 1941, in Monmouth, IL, the son of Harold C. and Marcena M. (Hill) Smallwood. Roger was raised in Alexis, IL and graduated from Aledo High School in 1959. He attended Bradley University in Peoria, earning his Associates Degree in Automotive Technology in 1961. Roger served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, receiving the rank of Specialist 5.
Roger married Barbara E. Bryant on March 22, 1969, in Aledo, IL.
Roger owned and operated Roger’s Shell Service, a full-service gas station in Davenport, IA, for five years and later worked creating topography maps for an aerial-view company. After returning from his military service, Roger began working on the family farm in 1968 and, during the winter months, also worked as an electrician. He retired from full-time farming in 2011 but continued to dedicate time and efforts to the family-owned operation.
Roger found great enjoyment in woodworking and always had his model railroad set up. He was well known for his talent in repairing clocks.
Roger was a member of the Alexis Lions Club and the Freemasons. He was actively involved with the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation Board where he served as a director from 1994 until 2012. He was also deeply involved with the Alexis FFA Alumni, helping to shape the future of young farmers in the Warren and Mercer County area. He was also instrumental in bringing a medical clinic to Alexis in 1980, improving access to healthcare for the community.
He was also a member of Messian Lutheran Church in Aledo, IL.
Surviving are two daughters, Christina (Earl) Allen of Cambridge, IL, and Andrea (Jim) Steadman of Olive Branch, MS; one son, Tim (Gia) Smallwood of Alexis, IL; nine grandchildren, Caitlin (John) Mahlstede, Andrew (Lynette Foree) Allen, Brendan (Madison) Allen, Caleb (Kara) Keating, Gavin Steadman, Grace Steadman, Abigail (Jordan) Jacobi, Elisabeth (Mike Skorcz) Steadman and Sara Emily Steadman; eight great grandchildren; one sister, Mary (Don Degan) Johnson of Angels Camp, CA, one brother, Lane (Kay) Smallwood of Alexis, IL, and several nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and his parents.
Memorial Services will be at 10:30am, Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Norwood Presbyterian Church, Alexis, IL. Interment of his ashes will be in Norwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00pm, Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at McGuire and Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Cremation has been accorded. Memorials can be made to Norwood Cemetery Association and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
