Richard P. “R.P.” Smith Sr., 91, of Galesburg, died at 12:12 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2026, in Seminary Manor.
He was born May 28, 1935, in Peoria, the son of Paul and Alice Smith. He married Janice A. Blakey on March 14, 1955, in Lima, Illinois. She preceded him in death on February 20, 2022, after nearly 67 years of marriage.
He is survived by a granddaughter, Missy (Mike) Phillips; two great grandsons, Justin and Ryan Phillips; a son-in-law, John Collura; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Richard P. Smith Jr.; a daughter, Ranee A. Collura; and three sisters, Rogene Walters, Norma Porter, and Lois Lane.
He graduated from Wyoming High School. When R.P. first came to Galesburg, he worked as a milkman for Meadow Gold Dairy. He then was a City of Galesburg firefighter for 30 years before retiring. While serving as a fireman and after retirement, he owned and operated Bill’s Seat Cover and Auto Trim.
In his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering with computers and other electronics. This hobby led him to many auctions and pawn shops in pursuit of new projects. In earlier years, R.P. enjoyed racing Midget Cars for Fessler Olds. He was of Methodist faith.
Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services. Funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. with Rev. Glen Bocox officiating. Burial will be with Janice in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Galesburg Retired Firefighters Association. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
