Mr. Robert Wayne Smith, 84, of Leiters Ford passed away at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at Community Howard Regional Health of Kokomo.

On Jan. 7, 1931, Bob was born near Leiters Ford to Grover and Chloe Ball Smith. Growing up he shared his childhood with three brothers and two sisters. With great pride he graduated from Leiter’s Ford High School in 1949.

Soon after high school patriotism beckoned and Bob answered the called enlisting with the United States Navy. He served three stints of service with the elite Seabees, the US Navy construction battalion.

On Feb. 15, 1952, Bob married the love of his life, Barbara Thomas Smith, who later became his honey and best friend. Together they shared over 63 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three handsome sons: Daniel, Alan and Paul. Over the years the family tree grew with the added blessings of three more generations.

Bob was employed at Allis Chalmers for two years following graduation. He later worked at Uniroyal in Mishawaka for 36 years, retiring early in 1988. While a resident of South Bend, he and Barbara lived on Mayflower Road. They were members of the Assumption Prairie United Methodist Church, returning to Leiter’s Ford following his retirement.

A devoted member of the Leiter’s Ford United Methodist Church, Bob was also a member of the Monterey Men’s Prayer Group and the Leiter’s Ford Lion’s Club. He and Barbara enjoyed wintering for two decades at Villa Del Sol, Avon Park, FL.

As the proud patriarch of the Smith family, Grandpa Bob was proud to oversee five generations. He looked forward to the holidays and special family celebrations throughout the year.

Left to cherish Bob’s memory are his wife: Barbara; three sons: Daniel Lee (Mary Jo) Smith, Mishawaka; Robert Alan Smith, Houston, Texas; Paul Wayne (Betsy) Smith, Rock Hill, S.C.; six grandchildren: Dawn Feece; Deann (Sebastian) Lanz; Jeffrey (Ashley) Smith; Kelly (Jimmy) Hayes; Jacob Smith; Brooke Smith; nine great-grandchildren: Sydney; Shelly; Alex; Max; Wyatt; Jenna; Olivia; Zachary; Carter; two great-great grandsons: Logan; Weston; a sister-in-law: Donna Smith; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Bob in death are his parents; grandson: Rick Pac; two sisters: Marjory House; Marietta Tighe; and three brothers: Hugh Smith; Donald Smith; and Francis Smith.

Pastor Nancy Foster will officiate services. Interment will be in the Leiters Ford Cemetery. Military rights will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the US Navy Military Honors Team.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Good Family Funeral Home.  Services will begin immediately after visitation at 2 p.m. Wednesday, also at the funeral home.