ULLIN, Ill. — Ed Smith was laid to rest on Saturday. 

Hundreds attended the services at Shawnee Community College. Smith’s wife, Betty, and children, Jordan and Matt, were present along with friends, fans and government officials. 

“The legacy Ed Smith leaves behind is singular,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “He was a titan of the American labor movement with an unshakable dedication to fighting for working families, regardless of where they lived. No matter where he was, his passion for people was infectious and will be immensely missed. May his memory be a blessing.”

Smith will be remembered by many for paving the way to rights for union workers. 

The service was led by Nathan Cherry, Pastor of Victory Dream Center, and concluded with a private burial.