Valjean Rhule Smith, 88, of Springfield, passed away at 4:35 p.m. on Monday, December 26, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. 

Valjean was born on February 16, 1928 in Springfield, the son of George and Tressa Rhule Smith. He married Connie Lee Riley on August 9, 1969 in Beardstown; she preceded him in death on August 13, 2012. 

Valjean earned his juris doctorate from Springfield College. He served as a public defender and worked for several private practice firms before retiring from the State of IL, Division of Aeronautics. He was a member of the Jacksonville Country Club and enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, traveling, cooking and spending time with his family. 

He was also preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Jonita Hoffman. 

He is survived by his son, Doug (wife, Jennifer) Smith of Mercersburg, PA; one daughter, Valerie (husband, Brian) Vincent of Springfield; five grandchildren, Ashleigh and Alexandra Flynn, Brooke Vincent, and Cole and Nora Smith; one great-grandchild, Matthew Carver; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Services have been held.