Robert E. Smith

RICHMOND, Ind. - Robert Eugene Smith, age 83, of Richmond, died unexpectedly Thursday, December 17, 2009, at Reid Hospital. Born February 25, 1926, in Richmond, to John W. and Garnet Hansbarger Smith, he was a life-long resident of Richmond. Bob graduated from Richmond High School in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the 158th Regimental Combat Team (Bushmasters) in the Asian Pacific and Philippines, receiving 3 battle stars. He married Eva Jeanne Harter in April 1949. For 12 years, starting May of 1950, Bob was a Richmond City Police Officer, also serving as Court Bailiff and FOP Chaplain. In September of 1962, he began his 30 year career managing his State Farm Insurance Agency. It was a profession which he loved. Bob lived his Christian faith everyday of his journey. He was a long time member of Central United Methodist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir for over 50 years. He shared his spiritual gifts as a Stephen Minister and also taught Sunday School for several years. Bob was a part of the Richmond Area Emmaus Community and was a longtime member of Masonic Lodge Webb #24. Bob enjoyed nurturing his vegetable garden and sharing its abundance. He found great joy in casting his fishing line into any body of water, at any time of day or night, no matter the weather and no matter how sparse the fish were. He will be remembered as a loving husband, dad, grandfather and brother in Christ to many. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Eva Jeanne Harter Smith; son, Robert H. Smith and his wife Paula of Richmond; daughters, Angela J. Witherby and her husband Jim of Richmond, and Rachelle J. Ludwig and her husband Rick of Bloomington, Ilinois; five granddaughters, Emily McMullen and her husband Ken, Amy Smith and her husband Chris, Jessica Ludwig, Catherine Ludwig and Trisha Witherby; four great-grandchildren, Liam and Caitlyn Rose McMullen and Lucas and Noah Thielen; niece, Paulette Evans of New Paris, Ohio and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Paul W. Smith. Visitation for Robert Eugene Smith will be from 12 to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main Street, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Philip Dorrell officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1425 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374, or Richmond Area Emmaus Community, c/o Joyce Ann Baldwin, 201 East South Street, Centerville, IN 47330, or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 North Halsted Street, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60642-2642. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Robert E. Smith

February 25, 1926 - December 17, 2009