Aaron T. Smith

Aaron Thomas Smith, 52, of Coal Valley, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 21, 2024, after a courageous five-year battle with ALS.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. A time of sharing for family and friends will follow at 7:00 p.m. at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory. Memorials may be made to the family.

Aaron Thomas Smith was born on August 26, 1972, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Thomas Edward and Margaret “Peggy” (Wunderlich) Smith. A graduate of Rockridge High School’s Class of 1990, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University. On September 30, 2006, Aaron married the love of his life, Lyndee Birely, in Coal Valley. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on their greatest joys, their children, Blake and Haylee.

Aaron devoted his life to supporting and inspiring others. He worked as a counselor at Arrowhead Ranch for 10 years before becoming a Health and Consumer Education teacher. His teaching career included roles at Wilson Middle School and John Deere Middle School, where he also made a significant impact as a football coach. He extended his passion for coaching to the Jr. Maroon Football Program, touching the lives of countless young athletes.

Beyond his professional life, Aaron embraced the outdoors, finding peace and happiness in camping, hunting, golfing, gardening, and caring for his yard. His heart was most full when he was with his family and friends, especially cheering on Blake and Haylee at ballfields and other events.

Aaron is survived by his loving wife, Lyndee; his two children, Blake and Haylee; his parents, Thomas and Peggy Smith of Milan; brother and sister-in-law, Shawn and Rachel Smith of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; nieces, Hayden and Sophie Smith; his step-grandmother, Clarice Wunderlich of Rock Island; Lyndee’s parents, Warren and Debbie Birely of Sherrard; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Shana Birely, and their children, Morgan and Adam; his beloved dog, Rizzo; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Kay Wunderlich, and Antonette and Edward L. Smith; and an uncle, Blair Smith.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.