Robert “Bob” O. Smith, Sr., 93 of Heath, Ohio, formerly of Utica, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at his home.
Bob was born in Mt. Vernon, OH on May 7th, 1932, to the late Cletus and Marguerite (Londot) Smith.
Bob was an amazing athlete in his younger days. He played softball, basketball, and football at Utica High School where he met his beautiful wife, Mary Lou Buchanan, whom he married on May 24,1952.
Bob would then go on to serve our country in the U.S. Army in the Korean War from 1952-54. Upon returning home, he built the family home where he and Mary would raise their 3 children.
He was a plumber for Snow Plumbing and a dispatcher for Commercial Motor Freight. Bob went on to further his career and retired from Ariel Corp in Mt. Vernon. Bob enjoyed bowling and was an avid woodworker. He loved spending his time making beautiful pieces to share with everyone, and each piece he made to absolute perfection.
Bob also loved to spend time fishing on Catawba Island with his wife and his sister, Betty, and her husband, Bill. Bob & Mary also enjoyed spending their winters in Florida.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary Lou (Buchanan); children, Laura (Keith) Shaffer, Robert, Jr. (Irene) Smith, and Tricia (Jeff) Barclay; sister, Tess (Rex) Frizzel; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Julia Moore and Betty Yough.
The family will honor Bob with a Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Veterans organization of your choice.
Funeral Home: Brucker & Baker
Website: https://www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com