Robert L. “Bob” Smith, 95, of Belle Center, passed away at 10:29 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Kobacker House in Columbus. He was born Aug. 5, 1924, a son of the late Jasper and Edna (Hattery) Smith.
On April 12, 1946, Bob married the former Rita Pauline Claybaugh in Roundhead. Bob and Rita made Belle Center their home for 71 years. Rita preceded him in death on May 29, 2017. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Clara Crawford, Marge Carter, Madge Quay, and Irene Stang; two brothers, Donald Smith and Kenneth Smith; and a son-in-law, John Brunke.
Bob is survived by his two children, Ronald (Melanie) Smith and Connie Brunke; four grandchildren, Jon (Tori) Smith, Jason (Carrie) Smith, Jeff (Jenny) Smith, and Andrea (Todd) Downing; six great-grandchildren, Grace Smith, Maddie Smith, Nick Smith, Lindsay Smith, Abby Smith, and Laila Downing; several nieces and nephews; and neighbor, Judy Ruble, whose visits were always appreciated by Bob.
Bob was a proud WWII Army Veteran who was stationed in Alconbury, England, for three years as an Army firefighter. When he returned home from England, he worked at the Belle Center Creamery and Millisor’s Chevrolet before purchasing the Sohio station. He owned and operated Smith Sohio Service Station for several years. He also worked at Houchin’s Garage and later out of his own garage, fixing tires and visiting with his many friends and neighbors.
Bob loved his family and was always there for them. He loved the Belle Center community and enjoyed waiving, from his chair, to everybody going by when he wasn’t able to get outside.
The family receives friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 306 N. Elizabeth Street, Belle Center. Pastor Kevin Smith officiates a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at the funeral home. Burial follows in Fairview Cemetery in Belle Center, with military honors provided by the Logan County Veteran Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to any hospice organization of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in Belle Center and online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.edsfh.com.