Robert E. Smith

Robert Smith, age 90, died on December 1, 2020 at St. Luke Living Center. He was born on March 20, 1930 to Frank R. and Ida Fay (Lamb) Smith in Tampa, Kansas. At age 18, Bob joined the U.S. Army, serving in Germany and Okinawa. On November 4, 1951, he married Shirley Smith. They made their home in Marion, Kansas. This union was blessed with two sons, Donald L. and Terry E. Smith.

Bob worked for Riddle Quarries and Western Auto as a truck driver. He traveled to many states and made many acquaintances along the way. He was a hard worker and a very good driver, receiving an award for an accident-free driving record.

Bob and Shirley enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren. They took vacations with grandchildren Steffanie and Eric, traveling to Virginia to visit grandsons Ben and Dustin. Bob was also known by many in Marion as Santa Claus, spending the Christmas season, along with Shirley as Mrs. Claus, greeting the children downtown and visiting many homes to deliver presents.

For many years, Bob and Shirley hosted a picnic in their yard for family and friends. It was a favorite place for many, young and old, to gather and have fun. Bob would spend weeks getting the yard ready and planning for the annual event. After retirement, he worked for his son at Smitty’s Service, helping out whenever needed. He enjoyed working there and visiting with the customers, always greeting them with a smile. Owning and riding a motorcycle brought him much joy. He joined a local group for the monthly ride to Cassoday or would take off and ride to various locations. He finally sold his motorcycle a few years ago, but always talked about maybe buying another one.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, brother Richard Smith, sisters Dorothy Berg, Mildred “Millie” Soyez, and Lola Burch, son Don Smith, daughter-in-law Sandy Smith, and grandson Cody Smith.

Surviving family members include son Terry Smith and wife Kat Brais, daughter-in-law Neva (Smith) Cooper, grandchildren Steffanie Smith, Eric Smith and wife Krystle, Benjamyn Smith and Dustin Smith, great-grandchildren Grayson and Charley Smith, and special friend Pat Oller.

Friends may gather with family for a visitation at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion, Kansas on Tuesday December 8, 2020 from 5-7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Memorials to the family can be sent to Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, PO Box 96, Marion, KS 66861