Robert Lee “Bob” Smith, 83, of Rootstown, went home to be with his Lord on April 30, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Esther. The two of them shared happy memories of many vacations and cruises.
Robert was born in Talapoosa, Missouri on August 18, 1930 to Herman and Ethel Waltham Smith. He spent his childhood in Missouri and Michigan. After proudly serving his country with distinction and earning many medals in the U.S. Army in combat in Korea in the 24th Infantry Division 1st Battalion, Robert was employed for 51 years by the Chrysler Stamping Plant, first in Detroit and later in Twinsburg.
He loved the Lord and thanked Him daily for each new day he was given. He attended Friendship Bible Church in Randolph. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and his dogs, Patches and Lucky. Bob had a humorous saying for every situation that arose that would always put a smile on everyone’s face. We will cherish our good times with him, and our memories of Bob, and remember his funny nicknames for the grandchildren. We will follow his example of loving the Lord.
Bob was president of the Ravenna Hot Stove Baseball league, and was instrumental in building the league to its strength in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In the spring and early summer, you could always find him at City Park or one of the many baseball fields in Ravenna. He retired from baseball activity, but through the years gone by was always recognized and happily greeted by many of the boys that played for him in the league.
Cherished memories of Bob will be carried on by his wife, Esther; his daughter, Sandra (James) Rumsey of Ravenna; son, Dennis Smith, great-niece September Renee Hammond, and his stepchildren: Tammy (David) Kessler of Randolph, Charles “Gene” Howes of Plant City, Florida, Laura (Duane) Melby and Tracy (Brett) Housley all of Rootstown; grandchildren Michael Rumsey, Ashley and David Kessler, Dalton and Dillon Melby, Erin, Abbey and Lauren Housley and Lucas Howes.
Preceding Bob in death were his parents; his first wife, Marion B. Smith; brothers Bill Smith, Walter L. Smith and James McElwane.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, Ohio 44266, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 7th with Pastor Bill Johnson officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Robinson Hospice for the wonderful, compassionate care given to Bob. We are truly grateful. A special thanks to Bob and Barb Stary, compassionate neighbors who were always there when needed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Robinson Hospice, 6847 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna, Ohio 44266 or to Friendship Bible Church, 1703 St. Rt. 44, Randolph, Ohio 44265.
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