Obituary of Robert Smith

The sun rose on the life of Mr. Robert "Smitty" Smith, Sr. on July 18, 1927 in East St. Louis, Illinois when he was born to Thomas and Kathleen Smith. The youngest of nine children, he had three brothers, Thomas, Albert and James and five sisters, Lilly, Ida, Esterlee, Deloris and Marie. He loved the attention of his older siblings. Educated in the public school system, he graduated from Lincoln High School in East St. Louis. Smitty proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1946 to 1960. He was stationed at Ft. Huston, Virginia. His final rank was Sergeant. Smitty was honored with five Bronze Stars, the European, Korean and Japan Victory Medals. At the end of his active duty, he was given an Honorable Discharge from the government and a grateful nation. Smitty was united in marriage with Rose Martin. The marriage was later dissolved and he then was united with Rose Morgan. He was a loving and devoted father to three children, Robert, Robin and Robert, Jr. "Lil Robert". His children remember traveling the country with "Dad". In later years, his grandchildren, Quincy, Darnell, Christy, Fatima, Shamika, Justin, Dequan and Vicky and great grandchildren were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They loved their "Papa" dearly. A man of faith, Smitty was a member of St. Luke A.M.E. Church. After leaving the Army, he was employed at the Air Force Academy in the position of a cook. He was known for hard work, dedication and his sense of humor. In his free time, Smitty enjoyed family, friends and traveling the world. His best friend was Robert Moore, "Bluejack". Known and loved for his big heart, Smitty made a huge impact on all who knew him. "Everybody in St. Louis knew him. You could be new in town and ask for Smitty and people could direct you right to him." He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. The sun set on the life of Mr. Robert "Smitty" Smith, Sr. on August 29, 2014 when the Lord called him home to eternal rest. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, daughter, Michelle and grandson, Dequan. Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Robert Smith and Robert Smith, Jr., both of Denver, CO; daughter, Robin (Doug) Tidwell of Denver, CO; devoted companion, Rose Mae Martin of Denver, CO; eight grandchildren; twenty-one great grand-children; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Rest in peace..."Smitty"