The gate of Heaven opened and received a great man, and there is no greater loss of a loving Husband,
Father or Grandfather.
Robert (Bob, Cactus by his buddies) Smith entered the Gates of Heaven at his home, with his devoted wife,
Romaine, by his side, on Friday, May 19th, 2017.
Born August 17th, 1925 in Creston, IA., Bob was the son of the late Edson and Eithel Smith. He grew up in
Murray, IA, and later in Clarke County, IA, attending high school in Osceola.
Bob was a decorated World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard. He spent 3 years on the
Liberty Ships in the North Atlantic, ferrying supplies to Russia through the Persian Gulf. He earned 2 Bronze
Combat Stars as well as being awarded a Commemorative Medal from the country of Russia in 19**.
Bob’s faith was central to his life. Aboard ship in the Persian Gulf, Bob was baptized a Catholic and while in
port at Palestine, he made the pilgrimage of our Lord's crucifixion in Jerusalem.
After serving in the military, Bob spent 30 years as a Teamster, driving for Kenosha Auto Transportation. Bob
and Romaine moved to Garden Grove, IA, after his retirement where he spent 5 years driving the school bus
for the Mormon School District; he was dearly loved by all the children.
Bob was a devoted Grampa and Great Grampa. He leaves cherished memories of his warm smile, giant hugs,
witty comments, enduring patience, and abundant words of wisdom. He was a quiet, well-respected, man,
looked up to not only by his family, but by all who knew him, including friends and coworkers.
Robert and Romaine were members of Saint Bernard's Catholic Church in Osceola, IA. Bob was also a
member of the Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, DAV and the
American Legion. He was fiercely patriotic and encouraged it in others.
He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Romaine Stone (Kaminski); son Clifton Charles Smith and wife
April of Chiloquin, OR.; daughters Dianne R. Smith of The Dalles, OR, and Roberta Dolinski of Garden Grove,
IA. His oldest son Leonard Gerald Smith proceeds him in death.
Grandchildren: Pauline Hampton, Robert Dys, Aaron Smith, Morgan Moore, Rachel McDermott, Marcia
Roberston, Matthew Robertson, Andrea LaRue, Ruby Syska and Krsitina; 22 great grandchildren and 4 great,
great grandchildren.

Affiliations