Robert Lincoln and Marie Juanita Smith

Bob was born on September 22, 1927 in Palisade, Colorado to Frank Levi Smith and Pearl Martin. After serving in World War II as a Gunner’s Mate in the U.S. Navy, Bob met the love of his life, Marie Juanita Smith nee Carver, and the two were married in 1949. Bob and Marie were inseparable, and they loved each other every day for more than 72 years of marriage.

Bob attended Parks Business College in Boulder, Colorado and then settled down in Northglenn and Thornton, Colorado. Bob and Marie raised four wonderful children: Nancy Lowe, Patsy Nofziger, Rodney Smith, and Kathleen Hays.

Bob lived a rich and active life. He coached his children’s sports teams, co-founded the Presbyterian Church in Thornton, and served as a member and officer on the Adams County Board of Education. His passions and energy were endless: fishing, hiking, woodworking, carpentry, chess, table tennis, art, and farming: Bob could do it all, and do it with excellence. In his professional life, he pioneered safety programs at Rocky Flats, where he spent virtually his whole career.

In 1985, Bob and Marie retired and returned to the western slope. They bought a farm in Grand Junction and became prolific gardeners of corn, tomatoes, peaches, watermelon, and endless variety of vegetables, and flowers. They enjoyed their retired lives and stayed busy with their farm, visiting their children and grandchildren, faithfully attending First Presbyterian Church, and always looked forward to regular lunches with other Rocky Flats retirees. After a long day’s work on the farm, Bob and Marie could often be found sitting on their front porch, holding hands for hours.

His family will remember Bob for his gentle spirit, intelligence, contagious laugh, and all of the good times they had together. Most of all, Bob leaves a legacy of love and devotion to his family.

Bob is survived by his beautiful bride Marie, his four children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild so far. Bob is preceded in death by his brothers Abe, Ray, Ralph, Don, his sister Martha, and his granddaughter Pamela.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 7th at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Road - Grand Junction. Bob’s friends and family are invited to wear his favorite color in his memory: blue.