Robert passed on quietly in his own home Friday evening on January 17, 2025 at the age of 87. He was happily married for 68 years to MaDonna. There were 3 children; Jeffrey, Lisa and Melissa (deceased) along with the following grandchildren – Adam, Kelsey, Matthew, Taylor, Clayton, Jacob and Brendan. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved his family very much which also extended much further than just blood relatives; friends that were clients, fishing buddies, golf partners, traveling friends and each and every American Turner member that he came in contact with. He was a lifelong North St. Louis Turner member along with being the President of the organization. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched.
SERVICES: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Saturday, January 25th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM.
I’m going to miss Smitty at our “cousins monthly lunch”. I loved hearing his stories and watching him take such good care of Donna. Rest in Peace Smitty knowing that Donna will be well cared for by the wonderful family you both created. I’m in Florida and won’t be able to attend the funeral but I will be there in spirit. Hugs and prayers to you all!
To all of the Smith family, especially though Bob’s wife “Donna”, and Jeff and his family as I knew them the best. I met Bob thru my older brother Charlie, himself a Turner Volleyball player. I too became a member of the North Side Men’s team and Bob was the heart and soul of the team and the coach, manager, setter and lead team official. I was recruited into the NAGWS college referee ranks by Mrs. Pat Steele and she teamed me up with Bob and Jeff for tournaments and round robin events. My big break came as a result of Bob’s health, he and Jeff had travelled to Quincy, IL for an invitational and Bob wasn’t feeling good. Jeff & Bob went to the hospital and only Jeff got to leave, Bob was admitted with a cardiac event. Jeff called me and I replaced Bob and ended up doing the finals as lead official. Bob was one of a kind and I sat at his table at the North Side men’s group annual holiday dinner this past December at Concordia Turner hall. Bob had organized it for all the years I have gone and his wife always had helped prepare the food for the event. Bob was getting around fine at the dinner and telling me of his therapy he was doing for his knee replacement done last October. He will be missed. Not just by his family, many many friends will miss him too.
Our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Savannah, Keri-Ann, Gabby, Chris, Aria and Christine