Robert John (Bob) Smith's Obituary
Robert Smith Obituary
Robert John (Bob) SmithRobert John (Bob) Smith of Elyria peacefully passed away at the age of 98 on January 9, 2018, at the Ohio Veterans Home where he resided for the last 2 1/2 years of his life. He was born on March 24, 1919, and spent his early years on his grandfather's farm in Carlisle Township. He recalled summers roaming barefoot as some of the best times of his life. He lived his later childhood years in Elyria and Rocky River. Robert proudly served in the 69th Infantry Division ("The Fighting 69th") during WWII, where he rose to the rank of Staff and Platoon Sergeant, saw significant action in the Battle of the Bulge, and ultimately was at The Front with the American troops who met the Russians on the Torgau River in Germany. He was awarded Marksmanship, Good Conduct, American Service and Victory medals, the Distinguished Unit Badge and the EAME Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars. He was a master carpenter and worked much of his career as an independent builder. His skilled craftsmanship can be found in many homes in Elyria and across Northern Ohio.He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who was closely involved in raising his children, serving as Scoutmaster, PTA President, Chairman of the Building Committee for the former Lake Avenue Congregational Church, and volunteer builder for the Elyria City Schools Athletic Department. Bob was a champion bowler who, at one time, maintained a 230 average and continued to knock down pins well into his 80's. He and his wife June, to whom he was married for 50 years, loved to dance and, as members of Cotillion, enjoyed many evenings dancing and socializing with friends. Bob loved to pick strawberries and elderberries, fish on Lake Erie (but any small lake or stream would suffice), and travel across country in his motor home primarily to Mesa, Arizona, which became the winter residence. He and June made many friends there as they escaped the often brutal winters of Northern Ohio. He also loved to gamble particularly at Northfield Park and, because of his preference for western attire, was nicknamed "Cowboy" by his gambling buddies.Robert was preceded in death by his wife June Belle (Kayser), his son Keith Howard Smith, his son-in-law Dennis (Dan) Gompf, and his late-in-life partner, Esther Sooy. He is survived by his three children, Susan (Thomas) Resar of Elyria, Dr. Robert John Smith (Sarah) of Providence, RI, and Lori Gompf of Southborough, MA, 11 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.A private family burial service at LaPorte Cemetery with full military honors conducted by VFW Post 1079 followed by a memorial service and luncheon at Elyria Country Club honored Bob on Saturday, May 19th. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the Ohio Veterans Home and Stein Hospice staff and volunteers for the skilled and loving care given to their dad, to Dicken Funeral Home for their support and expertise, to Reverend Kathy Ketchum for her spiritual guidance, and to VFW Post 1079 for their service and for the dignified and powerful ceremony graveside. SERVICES Memorial Service Saturday, May 19, 2018 LaPorte Cemetery Butternut Ridge Road Carlisle Township, Ohio 44035
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