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Robert "Bob" Smith, 86

Robert Eugene Smith (Bob) of Mesa, Arizona, went peacefully to his heavenly home on August 16, 2024, at the age of 86. He was born on March 20, 1938, in Hays, Kansas, to parents Glenn R. and Jeanette Smith. Bob grew up in Smith County and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1957, where he was active for many years in track and field. On June 13, 1959, he married Bethie Watts in Kensington, Kansas. They were blessed with three sons David, Donald and Dennis. Years later Kimberly joined the family.
Bob had many occupations throughout his life. Early years at Mini Max Warehouse, Edell Creamery and Rainbow Bread. In 1968 Bob and Bethie moved their family to Lebanon, Kansas, and purchased Bob's Market. In 1983 they moved back to Smith Center where Smith Trucking was formed, and he retired in 2004.
Bob was an active member of the Army National Guard, Smith Center, Kansas, and was discharged in 1958.
While in Lebanon, Bob was very active with Boy Scouts, 4-H, City Council, Fire Department and school activities. He was an FFA honorary chapter farmer for assisting with the meat judging team.
Bob had many hobbies including: fishing, camping, hunting racoons, coyotes and birds. After retirement, Bob and Bethie traveled for several years before settling in Mesa, Arizona. There Bob took up wood carving where his talents really shined.
Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lebanon, American Lutheran Church in Smith Center, Victory Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn R. and Jeanette Smith; sister, Sharon Moura; mother-in-law, Ellen Watts; sisters-in-law, Sarah Hansen and Rena Wilcox.
He is survived by his wife, Bethie; sons, David of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Donald of Mesa, Arizona, Dennis of Tempe, Arizona, and Kimberly of Vinton, Iowa; sister, Glenna Kingsbury of Smith Center; sister-in-law, Jeanne Augustine of Amarillo, Texas; brother-in-law, Ira Willcox of Lindale, Texas; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Grandchildren: Justin (Hannah) Smith, Alyssa (Henry) Bratten, Jessica (Jon) McDowell, Taylor (Cierra) Feltus, Chelsee Tharp, all of Vinton Iowa.
Great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Lucas and Bella Smith, Jayce, Oaklee and Laiklee Bratten, Brayden and Wallace McDowell, Wyatt and Nova Feltis. all of Vinton, Iowa.
Family and friends are invited to attend a service Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the American Lutheran Church, 415 West New York St., Smith Center, Kansas at 1:30 PM with interment following at Fairview Cemetery, Smith, Center, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his honor to: Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

All Faiths Funeral Chapel of Smith Center, Kansas, is handling the arrangements.

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