Roger P. Smallwood

Roger P. Smallwood, 85, of Alexis, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, IA, surrounded by family.

Son. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Farmer. And so, so much more. Roger loved his family deeply and freely shared his time, expertise, and skills throughout the Warren and Mercer County area. Throughout his life – regardless of where he was or what he was doing – Roger truly never met a stranger or missed an opportunity to help others in any way he could.

Roger was born March 20, 1941, in Monmouth, IL, the son of Harold C. and Marcena M. (Hill) Smallwood. He was raised in Alexis, IL, graduated from Aledo High School in 1959, and earned his Associates Degree in Automotive Technology in 1961 from Bradley University in Peoria.

Following graduation, he worked creating topography maps for an aerial-view company before buying and operating Roger’s Shell Service, a full-service gas station in Davenport, IA, for five years. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Turbine Utility Helicopter Mechanic working on helicopter radios, earning the rank of Specialist 5.

Following his military service, Roger returned to the family farm in Alexis in 1968, also working as an electrician during the winter months.

He married Barbara E. Bryant on March 22, 1969, in Aledo, IL.

Roger’s farming operation included corn, soybeans, and one of the top Limousin cattle herds in Northwest Illinois. Feeder calves from the herd consistently took top of sale at auction. In the fields, he is considered the first farmer in his area to adopt no-till farming practices in the 1980s designed to help reduce soil loss, protect soil health, and improve yields.

He was actively involved with the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation Board, serving 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.

Roger was a member of the Alexis Lions Club and the Freemasons, as well as Messiah Lutheran Church in Aledo. He was also instrumental in helping bring a medical clinic to Alexis in 1980, improving access to healthcare for the community.

Roger could build or fix anything. He was a master woodworker and found great enjoyment spending time in his woodshop building fine furniture, cabinetry, and other items for family and friends. His talent in building – and repairing – clocks was especially well known. He was also an avid life-long model railroader, building and enjoying multiple layouts over the years.

He loved family visits and holidays, automobiles, and old Westerns. You could generally find him every day at lunch swapping stories and good-natured insults with friends at the BB Café.

He retired from full-time farming in 2011 but continued to dedicate time and efforts to the family-owned operation. He also took special pride in making sure that overgrown blades of grass on and along the farm didn’t stand a chance of growing past three inches.

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.  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.