Bob Smith

With a warm smile and a loyal heart, Robert “Bob” Joel Smith lived a life rich in family and friends. A man who embodied the principles he believed in, Bob was loyal, sincere, reliable, and dedicated to his family, friends, community, and country. Bob listened with compassion, generously gave of his time and talents in service of others, and knew how to inspire a much-needed laugh. A true patriot, Bob was honored to ensure people felt well cared for and comfortable. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Cherished by all who were blessed to know him, Bob will long be remembered and ever so missed.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression,1930 beheld a power of hope that undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there a greater sense of hope than in the home of John and Nina (Allen) Smith as they welcomed their son Bob to their family on April 19 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Bob’s earliest years were spent in Terre Haute, where his family farmed, and his father was a blacksmith and later a mechanic. Along with his siblings, Betty, Jean, and Butch, Bob enjoyed a rich and full childhood. Sadly, when Bob was eleven, the family moved to Michigan. When Bob was only eleven years old, his older sister Betty died at the age of sixteen. As a teen, Bob attended Union High School, and his main interests were cars, girls, and boxing.

At the age of nineteen, Bob and a buddy of his enlisted in the Air Force. Shortly thereafter, when his draft came up for the Army, he was grateful he had already enlisted in the Air Force. Bob proudly served in the Air Force for twenty-two years as a navigator/flight engineer for C-130s and other aircraft. Over his military career, Bob served in Southern California, Japan, Korea during the war, Delaware, Oklahoma, California, Alaska, and Northern Michigan. A retired Senior Master Sgt., Bob was a proud veteran.

For forty-eight years, Bob was a loving husband to Mary Ann Hendricks. Through the gift of adoption, the couple was blessed to welcome their children, Holly and Larry, to their family. With signature devotion to his family, Bob was a strict father who set high expectations for academics, character, and respect for others. He also modeled by example how to be sincere and dependable. Bob and Mary Ann loved to entertain friends and family. Christmas and New Year were special times spent celebrating with extended family get-togethers.

For twenty years, Bob worked for the United States Postal Service. He began as a postal carrier, and while working full-time and caring for his young family, he attended night school to earn his associate’s degree. With his degree in hand, Bob was able to quickly advance ranks within the service. Over time, he was promoted to assistant postmaster before becoming the regional manager for the Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF). Shortly before retiring, he was responsible for successfully negotiating the largest vehicle purchase for the Postal Service. At the time of his retirement, only five people were serving at higher levels than him.

Bob and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling extensively in retirement and planned to move to Florida. Unfortunately, Mary Ann was diagnosed with cancer. With Bob’s loving support and care, Mary Ann bravely battled the disease for two years before she died in 1999.

In time, Bob fulfilled the dream of moving to Florida, where he lived for twenty years. Always active, Bob was never one to sit around, and it didn’t take long for him to gain many close friends. He enjoyed his membership in a local VFW, where he served in several capacities. He was also a member of their honors squad, providing military honors for over 600 veteran services. Bob enjoyed woodworking and finish carpentry and was handy with projects around the house. He loved cars and particularly enjoyed restoring a 1974 Hurst Oldsmobile 442 with his son. Bob also enjoyed advances in technology and was proficient with his smartphone.

In 2018, Bob returned to Michigan and moved to StoryPoint in Rockford, where he made many friends and involved himself again. He raised and lowered the flags for the community and enjoyed cardio drumming. He also began attending church with his daughter. In time, he developed a strong connection with Pastor David Doerner, made his profession of faith, and was baptized at age 90.

Without a doubt, life feels far less certain in the absence of Bob’s steadfast companionship. As we celebrate Bob’s long, happy life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy of love, loyalty, patriotism, and friendship forward. In each moment we greet a stranger as a friend, proudly serve our community and country, inspire a heartfelt laugh, and generously share our hearts with others, we keep Bob’s lovely spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

Robert Joel Smith, age 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 18, 2024. Bob was born in Terre Haute, IN, to the late John and Nina (Allen) Smith. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Mary Ann Smith; sister, Betty Smith; brother-in-law, Jeff Jeffrey; and dear friend, Jean Diesel. He is survived by his children, Holly (Pat) Young and Larry (Dawn Horner) Smith; ex-daughter-in-law, Terri Smith; grandchildren, Jacob (Sarah) Smith, Ian (Leticia) Young, Spencer Young; and great-granddaughter, Layla. Bob is also survived by his sister, Donna Jean Jeffrey; brother, William “Butch” Smith; several nieces and nephews; and the Diesel family. A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with his family beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. The family would like to express their gratitude to StoryPoint of Rockford, Laurus Home Health Care, and Emmanuel Hospice for their loving care of Bob. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. To read more about Bob’s life story, leave a memory, or sign the guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.