Robert Smith

Robert J. Smith was a kindhearted family man who loved life and enjoyed his time with those he cherished. He worked all his life, but took time to relax, vacationing with his family and taking trips with his wife, Ellie. Bob was born in the Roaring Twenties to Clarence and Margaret (Lamyotte) Smith on January 30, 1920. He grew up attending St. James School with his three brothers. After graduating from Comstock Park High School, Bob worked a few years before joining the army to do his part for America in World War II. He bravely earned two purple hearts while serving his country overseas. Upon his return from war, Bob met Eleanor Cordes at the Walker Speedrome. Bob and Ellie fell in love and on March 31, 1951 they married. The couple shared in the joy of raising three precious children, Deb, Tom and Lynn. He was a loving father who was always there for his children and willing to help them in anyway. For twenty-five faithful years, Bob was a devoted employee of Wurzburg's Department Store. After the store closed, he began working for Herpolsheimers and then at Eastern Floral and Canteen making deliveries. In his later years, he enjoyed being a ticket taker at Devos Hall. Bob was always a well dressed gentleman and he looked handsome in his dress suits and ties. He enjoyed taking time to unwind by tinkering with old clocks and he also looked forward to teeing off out on the golf course. Bob loved taking family vacations with his wife and children and when the children were grown, he and Ellie visited New York, San Fransisco, Mexico and Hawaii. With Bob's laid back personality it was no wonder that his favorite destination was the tropical island of Hawaii. He loved being a father, but being a grandpa brought a new kind of joy to his heart. He had great fun with the grandkids and treasured his time with Peter, Andy, Amy, Sara, Jennifer and Elizabeth. His easy going, laid back demeanor was warm and inviting. Bob made friends with everyone and his sweet spirit will be dearly missed. He will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him. Robert J. Smith, age 85 of Grand Rapids , passed away July 10, 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers. Bob's family includes his wife, Ellie (Cordes) Smith; children Deb and Pete Meyerholtz, Brother Thom Smith OFM, Lynn and David Houghton; grandchildren Peter (Stacey), Andy, Amy and Sarah Meyerholtz, Jennifer and Elizabeth Houghton; sister-in-law Donna Smith and several nieces and nephews. To learn more about Bob's life friends may visit with his family on Tuesday from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, with a vigil service at 8:30p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 13 at 11:00a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Please visit Bob's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, order flowers on-line or make a memorial contribution. Memorials may be made to Side by Side or to a charity of your choice.