Robert Carroll Smith, 83, Carthage, Mo., passed away Friday, June 19, 2009, at home following a lengthy illness.
Robert was born April 30, 1926, in Eureka Springs, Ark., the son of Frank Smith and Mae Smith Barker.
He worked at the Carthage Marble Plant for 14 years and H.E. Williams for 10 years. He was a lifetime member of the Carthage VFW, a sergeant in the Army during WWII, and was sent to Pearl Harbor after the bombing. He also received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal during his enlistment.
He married Geraldean Pratt on Dec. 1, 1951, in Bentonville, Ark. They lived in Reeds, Mo., where they raised their family for 39 years.
He is survived by his wife, Geraldean; two sons, Gary Smith of Carthage and Larry Smith of Wyandotte; three daughters, Sharon Schrader of Carthage, Barbara Howerton of Carterville and Deborah Meyer of Jasper; seven brothers, Kenneth Smith of Lincoln, Ark., Richard Smith, Isiac Smith, and Gene Barker, of Neosho, Charles Barker of Granby, Frank Smith of Dayton, Ohio, and Wesley Smith of Fayetteville, Ark.; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by one son, James Smith; one daughter, Ida Diane Smith; two brothers, Cecil Smith and Junior Smith; and two sisters, Thelma Smith and Sue Smith.
Robert loved to play the harmonica. He enjoyed many things during his lifetime including racing stockcars and go-carts, horseback riding, dirt bike riding and fishing.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at Church of Hope, 500 Washington St, Neosho, Mo. Full military honors will be conducted at Union Cemetery in Stella, following the service.
Contributions may be given to the Church of Hope in Robert Smith’s name.
Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements under direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, Mo.
