Robert L. Smith

Robert L. “Bob” Smith, age 95, of Belle Center, Ohio passed away at 10:29 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2020 at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio.

He was born August 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, Ohio. Bob and Rita made Belle Center their home for seventy one years. Rita preceded him in death 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 a neighbor Judy Ruble, whose visits were always appreciated by Bob.

Bob was a proud World War II 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 will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in Belle Center.

Pastor Kevin Smith will officiate the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Fairview Cemetery in Belle Center with military honors provided by the Logan County Veteran Honor Guard.

The arrangements are in the care of the staff of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in Belle Center.

D.S.