God called Robert Ernest Smith, age 86, of Hysham home on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at the Hospital in Forsyth.
He was born on February 25, 1930 in Bronx, New York to Sidney and Doris (Bailey) Smith. When he was 7 years old his family moved to San Diego by way of Route 66. At that time, you had to bring your own bedding and towels to use at Motel’s., and there were no culverts, so they had to drive across flooded creeks. Robert attended grade school and Hoover High School in San Diego, California, where he graduated. He later went on to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
In 1948, Robert enlisted in the Air Force and served his country proud for a few years during the Korean War. The Air Force sent him to Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane. There he married Jean and had a daughter, Cheryl Ann. While in Spokane, he enjoyed working for the S & L Railroad. He later married Teddie and moved back to San Diego. This union brought two sons, Jeff and Greg. They moved again to Spokane where he helped Teddie’s dad in his greenhouse. Later when the greenhouse was sold, Robert began a Wedding Floral business and ran it for about 12 years. In those years, he and the boys decorated for Christmas with many lights. They even built Ferris wheel’s that would work and an above ground swimming pool, complete with a deck, lights and all. His home was an attraction that Spokane Tour buses would bring people to see. Robert worked hard to start the National “Men’s Garden Club Calendar”, which is still going today and helps mental handicapped children.
In 1983, Robert went to work for Jones Wholesale Florist, traveling over 5 states selling floral products. He did this for ten years before he met Linda Simmerman. On April, 6, 1991 they were married and then they traveled those same 5 states for another ten years. Robert and Linda traveled throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. They even visited his son, Greg, while he was studying in Paris.
In 2000, Jones retired Robert. That same afternoon, Robert went to the competition and got a job with Pacific Floral Wholesale. After 5 years, Robert and Linda moved to Hysham to be with Linda’s mom. He worked three jobs: custodian at the school, he oversaw the community dump, and was assistant Justice of the Peace. Robert was a member of the Men’s Garden Club in Spokane and the Hysham Lions Club. He loved to entertain the kids and tell them stories. Robert also enjoyed doing genealogy, working on his family name, and then on Simmerman and Wearmouth. While traveling in the United States they found and visited many relatives. While in England, they found a distant cousin in Durham.
Robert always had a story to tell. He was a superb speaker and acted as MC sometimes for conventions with 300-400 people.
Robert you are one super fantastic man. We will miss you so very much. I will miss you most of all! “Lord be with you and keep you!”
Robert was preceded in death by his father in 1970, his mother in 1972, and his daughter, Cheryl in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons Jeff and Greg; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2016 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hysham, MT. Interment will follow in the Memorial Vale Cemetery in Hysham, MT. Coffee and cookies will be served at the Hysham Community Center. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
To View Robert’s Tribute Video, please click this link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/JZ948TSXQRH2SPRK
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday September 11, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Monday September 12, 2016
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Monday September 12, 2016
Memorial Vale Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Hysham, Montana 59038
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday September 11, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln.
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Monday September 12, 2016
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Monday September 12, 2016
Memorial Vale Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Hysham, Montana 59038
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Lynn Tompkins says
Linda and family,
Sorry to hear of Roberts passing. It’s been a long haul for you Linda, and I have admired your strength and caring for your family and others. Take care of yourself and I am sure I’ll run into you in Hysham. Lynn Tompkins. P.A.L.S.
George and Ina Haines says
Oh Linda , , , Was not expecting Robert’s passing but wish for you much of God’s comforting hands around you. He will never leave nor forsake you especially in your time of need. May your memories be of further comfort for you. Much love and caring. George and Ina Haines, and Keith Thompson
Elmer and Avis Spidel says
Linda may God give you strength in this time and surround you with His love
Jennee reisewitz says
I enjoyed the time I spent getting to know Robert. He will be missed by so many. RIP Robert and we all love you Linda!
Connie Brown says
Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss in the passing of your husband Robert. You are such a woman of strength and endurance. May God grant you peace with memories of love!
Janet & Ivan Whiteaker says
Linda & family we are so sad for you all, losing Robert. How can we help you? I will always remember Robert’s story telling, he was so good at it. He couldn’t have had a more faithful and devoted wife than you Linda. You are in our prayers.
Janice and Ken Watson says
Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Priscilla Moorhouse says
Linda, we are so sorry to hear of you losing Robert. Thanks for all you guys have done for our special home of Hysham. Will call you soon so we can get together.