Robert ‘Bob’ Wade Smith, 72, entered God’s Kingdom on August 11, 2022. He passed peacefully in his home after a long and hard-fought battle with Polycystic Kidney/ Liver Disease. He was born to Robert Russell and Marguerite (Sears) Smith on September 23, 1949, in Washington, Indiana.
On August 16, 1969, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Brenda (Holland) Smith. They lived in married student housing while he attended Purdue and then while living in Brownstown, they welcomed their first child, Graham. In 1980, they moved to Odon and were blessed with two more children, Brande, and Matthew.
Bob attended Raglesville Elementary School and then graduated from Odon High School. He attended Purdue University, graduated with a degree in Education and later went on to receive his Master’s in Education from Indiana State University. He started his teaching career at Brownstown Central Schools before moving home to teach Industrial Arts at Washington Jr. High School, where he retired with over 20 years’ service.
Bob was a member of the Odon Lions Club and Indiana State Teachers Association. He enjoyed fishing, working with his hands, making musical instruments, welding, woodworking and creating metal art, Bob was master craftsman. He was a Hot Rod fanatic and a big music fan. Bob was a faithful servant to God and loved his family. Bob created a You-Tube channel to share his projects and encourage others to walk with the Lord.
Family left to cherish the memories of Bob include: his wife of 53 years, Brenda Smith; two sons, Robert Graham (Shalin Arnett) Smith of Vincennes and Matthew Smith of Camby; one daughter, Brande (Travis) Wampler of Bargersville; four grandchildren, Jacob and Chloe Wampler, Celia and Lachlan Arnett-Smith and one sister, Diane (Ronnie) Beasley.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Nancy Stickles, Connie Sinclair and Judy Carter.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at St. Joseph Church in Bramble with Father Kenneth Walker officiating. Bob will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Family and friends may call from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 16 at Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. A rosary prayer service will be led by Tom Peter at 7:00 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Cemetery in Bramble. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.