Robert D. Smith

Robert D. Smith, 93, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, November 7, 2013 in Hennis Care Center at Dover.

Born in New Philadelphia on October 8, 1920, he was the son of the late Joseph and Ada Viola (Kappler) Smith. Bob grew up above Smith Hatchery where his parents raised chicks.

Bob graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1939, where he played football for Coach Woody Hayes. In 1943, Bob joined the United States Army where he honorably served his country and was discharged as a Corporal in 1945.

On June 8, 1941, he married the love of his life, the former Jean Adair Briggs. Together, they enjoyed 72 years of marriage. Their faith was nurtured at the Community of Christ Church. They also traveled extensively in their Volks camper, and were 50 year members of the Couples Club.

Bob loved golf and played into his 80s. During his career, Bob ran heavy equipment and owned his own coal mining company, E-Z Energy. Also, Bob worked for Marlowes NCS and Jerry Marlowe for 16 years after retirement until the age of 87.

Most importantly, Bob was a family man who deeply loved his wife, his two daughters, his 5 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His daughter, Rebecca, gave him a book for Father’s Day, and he treasured reading it each year. He greatly enjoyed quality time with them.

He will deeply missed by his wife, Jean; his daughter, Rebecca Jean Lawrence of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Robin Adair Lawrence (Scott) Immel, Lt. Colonel Ryan C. (Lorie) Lawrence, Randall Q. (Peggy) Lawrence, Matthew D. (Amy) Szyndler, and Jan (Megan) Szyndler; and his great-grandchildren, Kaitlin A., Jessica M. and Cameron R. Lawrence, Miranda Adair, Mackenzie N, and Tanner Scott Immel, and Alexandra “Lexi” and Abigail Abby Szyndler.

Early in his marriage, Bob and Jean were blessed with friendships with couples spanning from 1941 to present with Lorence and Judy Riggle and Dale and Vickie Gowins. They met every month for club, participating in a variety of activities and playing cards.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Sally Jo Szyndler; his brother, Joe Smith; and his son-in-law, Robert Lawrence.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. A service celebrating Bob’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia.

Friends are invited to the Geib Family Center, located adjacent to the funeral home, where a meal will be shared following the committal service.