Robert Carroll Smith, 83, Carthage, passed away Friday, June 19, 2009, at home following a lengthy illness.
Robert was born April 30, 1926, in Eureka Springs, Ark., the son of Frank Smith and Mae Smith Barker.
He worked at the Carthage Marble Plant for 14 years, and H. E. Williams for 10 years. He was a lifetime member of the Carthage VFW, a sergeant in the Army during World War II, and was sent to Pearl Harbor after the bombing. He also received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal during his enlistment.
He married Geraldean Pratt on Dec. 1, 1951 in Bentonville, Ark. They lived in Reeds, Mo., where they raised their family for 39 years.
He is survived by his wife, Geraldean; two sons, Gary Smith, Carthage, and Larry Smith, Wyandotte, Okla.; three daughters, Sharon Schrader, Carthage, Barbara Howerton, Carterville, and Deborah Meyer, Jasper; seven brothers, Kenneth Smith, Lincoln, Ark., Richard Smith, Isiac Smith, and Gene Barker, all of Neosho, Charles Barker, Granby, Frank Smith, Dayton, Ohio, and Wesley Smith, Fayetteville, Ark.; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one son, James Smith; one daughter, Ida Diane Smith; two brothers, Cecil Smith and Junior Smith; and two sisters, Thelma Smith and Sue Smith.
Robert loved to play the harmonica. He enjoyed many things during his lifetime, including racing stockcars and go-carts, horseback riding, dirt bike riding and fishing.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Church of Hope, 500 Washington St, Neosho. Full military honors will be conducted at Union Cemetery in Stella, following the service.
Contributions may be given to the Church of Hope in Robert Smith’s name.
Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho.
