Lawrence “Chad” Smith, 51, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 6, 1971, in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Frank E. Smith and Carol (Johnston) Bledsoe. He married Hanna Chiarello on June 9, 2013, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and together they have enjoyed eight years of marriage.

Chad was a 1989 Graduate of Mount Carmel High School. He earned his Associates Degree in Telecommunications from Wabash Valley College. He worked as a carpenter and belonged to the Carpenters Union #546. Chad was a talented handy man. He loved being outdoors and in his spare time he enjoyed fishing. He was often seen riding his electric bike all around town alongside his wife, Hanna. Chad loved to make people smile. He was a fun-loving and caring man who cherished his family and his children and granddaughter brought him much joy. Chad will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Chad leaves behind his loving wife, Hanna; children, Lauren (Brogan) Smith, Laney (Carson) Smith, Blake Grimm, Nicholas Smith, Alma Smith, Lawrence Smith Jacob Smith; granddaughter, Marleigh Kay Elpers; mother, Carol (Gary) Bledsoe; siblings, Jacqueline (David) Seaton, Tracy Smith, and Brian Smith; stepmother, Pam Smith; several nieces and nephews.

Chad was preceded in death by his father, Frank E. Smith; maternal grandparents, Eugene and Bonnie Willis; paternal grandparents, Lawrence G. and Alma Smith; and special uncle, Rocky Bradley.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Robert Zwilling officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Social distancing, use of hand sanitizer and wearing of facial coverings is recommended.

Memorial contributions may be made in Chad’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Envelopes will be at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Chad’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Smith family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com