John E. Smith, 58, a longtime Prospect Heights resident and high school math teacher, died Thursday in his home. Mr. Smith was born in Danforth, Ill. He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Illinois State University and taught math for 27 years at Wheeling High School. Earlier, he taught at high schools in Braidwood and Piper City, Ill. Mr. Smith was active in volunteer organizations such as the Arlington Heights Kiwanis Club. After retiring in 1994, he served as site director for PADS homeless centers in Prospect Heights Community Church and at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, where he was a member for about three decades. “Helping others was important to him,” said his wife, Carol. Mr. Smith also liked camping and listening to jazz, his wife said. Mr. Smith also is survived by a daughter, Cynthia, and two sisters, Laura Quinn and Margaret Noble. A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday in First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid St.
