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Robert K. Smith © Trout Funeral Home & Crematory Submitted by: Sharon
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Robert K. Smith
September 3, 1928 - May 10, 2010
Robert Kaye (Bob) Smith, resident of Ponca City, passed away unexpectedly in the Ponca City Medical Center on Monday, May 10. He was 81 years old and was a long-time resident and businessman in Ponca City.
Robert was born on September 3, 1928 to the late Marshall Mattison Smith, II, and Ida Saxon Campbell Smith in Wewoka, Oklahoma. He attended Ong and Justice grade Schools in rural Wewoka. Robert obtained his high school diploma from Wewoka High School.
Robert volunteered in the U.S. Army with two of his cousins in October, l 1946 and has his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington. Later he was assigned to the 32nd Infantry Regiment in Seoul, Korea in January, 1947 where he remained the next 15 months. He was a light truck driver and hauled supplies across the 38th parallel. The decorations he obtained were the Bronze Star Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Honorable Service Lapel button WWII, and the Sharpshooter Badge with rifle bar. He was honorably discharged and arrived back in the States in March, 1948 and came to Ponca City where his parents had moved.
He soon met the love of his life, Mildred Schockman, who he married on July 7, 1950 in Winfield, Kansas. They would have celebrated being married 60 years in July, 2010. Robert began his furniture career working for his aunt and uncle, Jim and Clara Tribble, at the Ponca City Mattress Company. He later worked a brief time at the Cities Service Company in Ponca City. Robert opened his own furniture refinishing and upholstery shop in 1953 and was self employed the rest of his working career. In 1974 he bought the Ponca City Mattress Company which was later known as Smith Home Furnishings and is now located at 2500 N. 14th street. It is a locally family owned and managed furniture store.
Robert helped coach his sons baseball teams at the Ray Lessert Ball Park and led them to win several tournaments. He had a strong faith in God and loved his church. Robert and Mildred have been active members of Northeast Baptist Church over 40 years where they worked with 8 year old children in Sunday School for many years and served on various committees. They volunteered on the funeral dinner committee for 10 years. Robert was a "people" person and loved being with friends and family. He had a been a member of Ponca City Noon Lions club for over 40 years and just last year they awarded him with the Life Membership Award in recognition of long term exceptional leadership and devoted service to the Lions Club. He also was a non-active member of Tippers Club for many years.
He was a generous and unselfish man and enjoyed helping others. He loved his family and always was willing to be a part of their lives. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed driving his old 1947 Ford in the Veterans Day parades and Dragging Grand.
Robert is survived by his wife, Mildred of the home, daughter Karen Hunter and husband Keith of Ponca City, son Larry R. Smith and wife Charlotte of Ponca City, son Roger K. Smith and wife Lisa of Farmington, Minnesota. Grandchildren Eric R. Smith and wife Rebecca of Richmond, Texas; Ryan Kaye Smith and wife Melissa of Rosemont, Minnesota, Kyle R. Smith of Montgomery, Maryland, and Jason M. Smith of Ponca City, Stephanie Blum and husband Danny of Ponca City, Ryan A. Smith and wife Kelly of Coppell, Texas and Brian Hunter and wife Kendra of Oak Park, Illinois. His great grandchildren are Brendan, Catie, Miles, Luke and Kinnah. He will be greatly missed by all this family.
Also surviving are his sister, Ollie Mae Graham and her husband Gerry of Bartlesville and his brother Jep Smith and his wife Joyce of Center Point, Texas, sister-in-law Johnnie Smith of Wewoka, aunt; Mary Campbell of Ponca City, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents, brothers Elvis, Marshall III, Manus and a sister-in-law Jimmie Smith.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, May 14, 2010 at the Northeast Baptist church with Dr. Larry Nigh officiating. Burial will follow at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's name to the Northeast Baptist Church, Building Fund, 2220 North N. Pecan Road, Ponca City, OK 74604.
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