Thomas L Smaha, 80 of Belvidere, IL passed away peacefully after a lingering illness on Monday morning, April 30, 2018 in Swedish American Hospital,
Rockford, IL.  Thomas was born July 7, 1937 in Ravanna, NE the son of Levi and Ethel (Cottingham) Smaha.  He married Marilyn Niemoth on June 28, 1958 in Grand Island, NE. He graduated from Ravanna High School and the FBI Academy. He worked as the police chief of Grand Island, NE and also Moline, IL Thomas served his country in the US Navy. He was affiliated with Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere. He enjoyed watching football, especially Northern Illinois and Nebraska. In his younger years, he enjoyed building balsa wood airplanes.

Thomas is survived by his wife Marilyn, of 60 years; sons, Randy(Cindy) Smaha, Daniel(Joan) Smaha; grandsons, Brandon Smaha, Marc (Laken) Smaha, Steven Smaha, Austin Smaha: and step-granddaughter, Jodi(Ben) Lee; Also survived by four great grandchildren; brothers, Jon (Barb) Smaha and Michael (Shao-Ming) Smaha; sister-in-law, Bonnie Smaha; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Kenneth.

Cremation rights have been accorded.

Memorials can be given the family to establishment a memorial at a later date.  To share a memory and light a candle please visit www.AndersonFCS.com