Robert Smith

Robert D. (Bob) Smith lost his battle with leukemia at Stormont Vail Hospital on August 18, 2005. He was born on November 19, 1934 in Topeka to Edward Murrell and Dorothy May Engstrom Smith. He was a 1952 graduate of Topeka High School. He was a plumber for E.M. Smith Plumbing for 11 years. He worked as a territory representative for Raynor Door of Dixon, Illinois, where he retired after 35 years of employment in June of 2002.
He built or remodeled all of his children's homes. He especially loved his grandchildren, traveling, woodworking, hunting, and boating. He was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church. He and his wife have been avid supporters of his children's and grandchildren's sports and activities.
Bob married Mary Alice Steves on May 31, 1953 at Lowman Memorial Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons: Jackie Howard and her husband Phil, Dean Smith and his wife Nancy, Gregg Smith and his wife Wendy, Linda Evenson and her husband Jerry, and Nancy Garner and her husband Kevin. He has 12 grandchildren: Jennifer Collier Medley and her husband Terry, Clint Collier; Nick, Emily and Kyle Smith; Matthew, Jana, and Tanner Smith; Ashley and Brandon Evenson; and Bryce and Betsy Garner. He also has 3 great grandchildren: Jake, Abigail and Brooke Medley. A sister, Mary Smith Whynot of Northwood, New Hampshire, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive him.
His parents, brother, Edward C. Smith, and his sister Betty Smith Kendall preceded him in death.
A funeral service will be held 11:00am, Saturday, August 20, 2005 at Lowman United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mr. Smith will lie in state after 12:00 noon Friday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday. Memorial contributions may be given to Lowman United Methodist Church, 4000 SW Drury Lane, Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.