Robert Smith

Robert Leader Smith

9/7/1922    to    5/8/2020

Robert Smith died peacefully on May 8, 2020 at the age of 97 in Lees Summit, Missouri.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Christy (Sandy) Steinberg of Leawood, Kansas, daughter Janet Smith of Overland Park, Kansas, and son Clifford Smith of Overland Park, Kansas.  He is also survived by one sister Hazel Roby of Raytown, Missouri. He was the grandfather to Jordan Steinberg, Chelsea Bosak, Mira Steinberg, and Curtis (Jenny) Bosak. He was great grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Norma of Kansas City, Missouri in 2000 and son Robert Lewis (Butch) Smith of Kansas City, Missouri in 2017.

Also, preceded in death by his sister Pauline (Jess)Northington of Kansas City, Missouri, Sister Eleanor Greer of Kansas City, Missouri, sister Roberta Howard of Kansas City, Missouri, Helen (Claude) Rollins of Lees Summit, Missouri and brother Claude (Betty) Smith of Kansas City, Missouri.

Robert was born on September 7, 1922 to parents Robert Harrison Smith and Mae Rebecca Leader and lived in Kansas City, Missouri. He married Norma and the couple had three children together.  He and Norma moved to Warsaw, Missouri and enjoyed their retirement together until her death in 2000. He later relocated to Lees Summit, Missouri in 2014 and resided at John Knox Village apartments.

Robert was drafted and entered the Army in 1942. He served in World War II in France and Germany. Robert received a Purple Heart, oak leaf, and a Bronze Star. After the war, he worked for Cyclone Fence Company and retired in 1985 from the Ford Motor Company plant in Claycomo, Missouri.

Robert was a social and active man who was deeply involved with his entire family with many very good friends. He enjoyed fishing, long drives every Sunday, and was quite a story-teller.  His family and friends will always remember him as a wonderful father who was strong, loving, and honest.

Due to the pandemic and social distancing, there will be no service or reception. The family wishes to plan a celebration of life in the future.