Robert E. “Bob” Smith, 79 of Lima, passed away December 21, 2021, at 11:45 PM, at Lima Memorial Health System.

Bob was born August 6, 1942 in Lima, to Wallace and Melba (Whyman) Smith, who preceded him in death. On August 6, 1971, he married Marlene (Niehaus) Smith, who survives him in Lima.

Bob was a 1960 graduate of Shawnee High School and a proud United States Army Veteran. He worked as a telephone repairman at United Telephone until his retirement in 2000. Bob was an avid reader, bowler and a life member of American Legion, Post 96. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and he will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, Bob is survived by his children, Tammy L. Smith, Jaylene (Robert Riepenhoff) Smith and Robert T. (Jessica) Smith; grandchildren, Allie (Christian) Staggs, Cody (Bree Abbott) Layton, Rachel Riepenhoff, Isabella Riepenhoff, Ava Riepenhoff, Robbie Smith, Ali Smith, Katie Smith and Jack Smith; great-grandchildren, Xaiden Rice, Christian Staggs, Lianna Layton and Sophie Layton; sisters, Anita (Alex) Ball and Marsha Jacobs and his brother, Jim (Cindy) Smith.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Carey “Butch” Smith and brother-in-law, John Jacobs.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 27, 2021 at CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL with Rev. Lori Wright to officiate the service. Burial will follow in Shawnee Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, December 27, 2021 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smith Family Bowling Scholarship Foundation (SFBSF).

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.