Robert Smith

Robert L. Smith, 89, of Convoy, died at 9:45 a.m. Monday, November 19, 2012, at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert. He was born December 19, 1922, in Union Township, Van Wert County, the son of the late Homer and Iva Ruth (Greenawalt) Smith. On March 23, 1947, he married Caroline "Connie" (Myers) Smith, who survives in Convoy.

Robert L. Smith Mr. Smith farmed for more than 40 years and retired in 1981 from International Harvester (Navistar) after 35 years of service. He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Convoy. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in World War II and was a life member of American Legion Post 208 in Convoy. He was a member of Van Wert County Farm Bureau, a former Union Township trustee, a former board member of Convoy-Union School, and was a church council member for 15 years. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Martha Smith of Columbus and Marilyn Smith of Greensboro, N.C.; two brothers, Dean (Pat) Smith of Convoy and Dale Smith of Van Wert; a granddaughter, Rebecca (Troy) Gray; and one daughter-in-law, Debra Smith. A son, Larry Smith; four brothers, Fred, Kenneth, Richard and Donald Smith; and a grandson, Gregory Smith, also preceded him in death. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 24, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Convoy, with the Rev. Rita Bair officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery in Convoy, with graveside military rites performed by American Legion Post 208. Calling hours are from 4-7 p.m. Friday, November 23, at Gearhart-Jurczyk Funeral Home, Convoy, and an hour prior to services Saturday at the church. Preferred memorials: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.