Uncle Bob will be missed by many, including those of us who only knew a small part of the man he was. It is unfortunate that our family is spread literally coast to coast. I remember how thrilled Mom was the day Uncle Bob and the gang arrived in Oelwein, Iowa in his yellow bus. I wish I could find that picture. It was so much fun hanging around the kitchen table, listening to Mom and Bob catching up, sharing stories, pictures and fond memories. I guess it is time for Uncle Bob and Mom to catch up again. Love peace and prayers to all of you
Posted by: Jayne Whiitaker Perreault Chicopee, MA   Jun 16, 2009

Damon,Jessie,Paula: So sorry for the loss of your dad and husband Bob. Our thoughts and prayers to your entire family. Bob will always be remembered in our hearts as always, who can forget the trips to Garden Grove to the Antique shop and the hours of family gatherings at the shop. We will always remember Bob for his witt and humor, and his way of making a point in life. I myself will always remember our first trip to Arkansas after you all moved there, he told me that some day our Governor Clinton will Become President of the United States. We all had a good laugh over that one, and sure enough it happened. Both Bob and Pat will always be in our hearts and memories and we are very happy for the years Ms Paula gave him after Pat. We shall always cherish her friendship and always consider her part of our family. RIP Bob Smitty,Janette,Aaron,Katelynn Santa Maria California.
Posted by: Don & Janette Smith Santa Maria, CA   Jun 09, 2009

I am so sorry for the loss of a great, loving, and caring man. I've only been in this family for 15 years and what a wonderful time it has been. Bob was a special person, very loving and caring to his family and friends. I will miss you. Your love will always be in my heart and I will love and protect all those you cared about, especially your baby sister Heidi, for the rest of my life.
Posted by: Rich Bolingbrook, IL   Jun 08, 2009

Bob was the "ROCK" of our family. He would give you a straight answer to anything you asked or wanted to know about. He kept up on ALL things.Bob had a heart of gold He was a wonderful brother and I loved him very much, I will always hold him in high regard knowing that he was always there for me and others.I will miss our Sunday conversation nights.
Posted by: Kathleen Allen Menifee, CA   Jun 07, 2009

My Big Brudder, who was ALWAYS more of a father and friend than just a brother! I will miss our talks and time spent laughing and learning about life.
Posted by: Heidi Bolingbrook, IL   Jun 07, 2009

I cannot even begin to tell you how many memories I have of Bob. He taught me so many things in life that I continue to use on a daily basis. Bob had a huge hand in helping me raise Chance and I will forever be greatful. A memory that I have of Bob was playing Scrabble with him and him teaching me so many words my brain hurt. Damon, Jessie and Paula you are all in my prayers.
Posted by: Bambi Bohon Proppe Mihelich Brookfield, WI   Jun 07, 2009

Jessie and Damon, I'm sorry, but I could not let my specific memories go unmentioned, so here they are: putting on little skits while they sat endlessly and watched in amusement with no other distractions, his Harry Nielson collection, long drives down PCH in the back of the truck singing "momma's got a squeezebox", strawberry shortcake at Hof's Hut, Bob's Big Boy - spilling my root beer float all over the table and he didn't even get mad, Bob's Big Boy, where he convinced me to eat my first salad with roquefert dressing, many meals at Spires and Cris & Pitts, eating collard greens, black eyed peas and okra for the first time at your house, listening to him read philosophy books, watching Ellery Queen episodes, his famous words, "you guys always get to do fun stuff...", endless hours at the shop, and the time he pulled over the Impala on a long drive when we squealed real loud and he was not amused...just a few great memories...
Posted by: carrie shearman capistrano beach, CA   Jun 06, 2009

Jessie, I will always, always have awesome memories of your dad. He was, more or less, a dad to me - he spent so much quality time with us and that is what I will ALWAYS remember - he taught us the joy of simple things. These memories will always be in my mind and in my heart and I will be spending the day thinking about how blessed I was to have him in my life as well as you and your family. Love, Carrie
Posted by: carrie shearmen capistrano beach, CA   Jun 06, 2009

Jessie and Paula ~ We are so sorry for your loss and can not even think of any words that could possibly make you feel better. Just know that you are in our thoughts and we love you very much. We were so looking forward to visiting with Uncle Bob again this summer and enjoying his quick wit. We are very Thankful for the time we spent with him last year and only wish we had, had more time with him.
Posted by: The Paschall's    Jun 06, 2009

All my thoughts and prayers are with you all - It asks me to share a memory - Well when we all lived in California I remember Bob not lettering Jessie and I drive at night because it was just too foggy :) Oh and in California he use to drive soooo slow. What a terrific man, he will be missed!
Posted by: Suzanne Bohon Fielder Keller, TX   Jun 05, 2009