Fairbury – Christopher Michael Smith, 36, of Fairbury, passed away at 6:55pm, January 11, 2025, at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:00pm, Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury.

Cremation will follow after the visitation and burial will be in Graceland Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Chris was born May 12, 1988, in Fairbury, the son of James and Adele Klitzing Smith.

Surviving are his mother, Adele (Charles) Strasburger of Dunnellon, FL; daughter, Jessa Marie Smith of Fairbury; brother, Jason Smith of Fairbury; step-sisters, Shiela Minard of Watseka and Lynn Lewis of Frankfort, KY; step-brothers, Rick Kraay of Kankakee, Terry Kraay of Harden, KY, and Chad Strasburger of Frankfort, KY.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Chris was self-employed for most of his life.

He was an active member of Authentic Church in Pontiac, where he was used his time and talents to remodel the Youth Center.

Chris's life was centered around the love of his life, his daughter, Jessa. He never hesitated to sacrifice himself and take the second seat to make sure she had everything she needed. Her wants, needs, and desires came before his.

Chris just wanted to be liked by everyone. He tried to befriend everyone he met. Chris' heart was bigger than his smile which went form ear to ear.

He was talented in so many ways. His talents were unlimited and he bestowed them on the people in his life.