Robert L. Smith 1934 - 2000

SMITH, ROSS, KAUFFMAN, DOLD, HARGROVE

Posted By: debbie (email)
Date: 2/26/2007 at 22:31:21

The Burlington Hawkeye, August 14, 2000

Robert Smith

Robert L. Smith, 65, of West Plains, Mo., died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2000, at the Great River Medical Center.

Born Sept. 7, 1934, in rural Wayland, he was the son of Francis and Geraldine Ross Smith. In 1953, he married Jean Kauffman. In 1961, he married Virginia Dold. On Oct. 10, 1997, he married Ruth Hargrove in Harrison, Ark.

Mr. Smith was part of the military police during the Korean War. He was involved in construction all of his life. He joined his father's company, Francis L. Smith Construction, after returning from the service. He was the co-owner of Independent Builders of Mount Pleasant from 1968 until 1981. Mr. Smith was the Superintendent of Construction for the building of Indian Hills College in Ottumwa. He worked in the corporate offices for Ryan's Steakhouse. Most recently, he was employed by Image Builders of Nixa, Mo., where he was the project superintendent for the remodeling of many Sam's Clubs throughout the United States.

He attended the United Freewill Baptist Church. He was a member of the Elks Club and the Amvets of West Plains. He enjoyed golfing and in previous years he raced stock cars. He was an avid Hawkeye fan.

Survivors include his parents of Mt. Pleasant; his wife; three daughters, Robin Vaccaro of Burlington, Christa Martin of Marion, and Terri Walker of Washington; one step-daughter, Kristi Hargrove Gimpel of West Plains; one step-son, Keith Hargrove of Los Angeles, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Visitation will begin after noon Tuesday at the Olson~Powell Memorial Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The funeral for Mr. Smith will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, with Pastor Jeff Crawford officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery with military rites.

A memorial has been established to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and United Freewill Baptist Church of West Plains.