Robert Smith

Robert (Bob) Benedict Smith 92, of Glen Elder, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at MCHHS surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on January 12, 1933 on a farm south of Cawker City. Bob married his wife, Joan Banks, on September 4, 1954.

Bob worked at Holloway Wholesale Warehouse in Beloit for 37 years as a salesman, truck driver, and eventually a manager. After the warehouse closed, Bob went to work at Sunflower Manufacturing in Cawker City in 1987 until his retirement in 1998. During retirement, to keep busy, he drove a truck and helped with other operations at Spring Creek Farms near Jewell for several years. Bob enjoyed fishing on Waconda Lake and golfing at the Cawker City Golf Course. He proudly reminisced about the hole in one that he hit on a par 3. Bob and Joan enjoyed taking bus trips to casinos around the United States. Until his last days, Bob's mind was sharp and he enjoyed a rambunctious game of pinochle. He was known for his ability to fix nearly anything.

Bob was an avid sports fan. He was known for his permanent place in the stands at his grandchildren's many sporting events, even hours before they started. The children and their teams could always count on Grandpa Bob to have a cooler full of Gatorade to share after games. If he wasn't attending sporting events he was likely reclined at home watching the Chiefs or Royals enjoying a bowl of homemade ice cream. At home, Bob was sure to have his garage refrigerator full of sodas, a bucket of bubble gum, hot tamales, and nuts.

Bob's greatest joy, however, came from being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His warmth, gentle spirit, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Eva (Grady) Smith, brothers Harold, Richard, Kenneth, and Donald Smith, sister Donalee Carter, and grandson Noah Smith.

In addition to his wife, Joan, he is survived by: his children Jody Winkel (Roy), Robie Smith (Linda), and Beth Holling (Jeff), his sisters Nora Peters and Alice Brownell, grandchildren Jesse Winkel (Dee), Megan Wilcoxson (Parron), Levi Anderson (Lauren), Joshua Smith (Leni), Nash Smith (Tazsa), Chelsa Anderson, Casey Smith (Maddie), Bailie Pryor (Kevin), Hannah Carter (Cadyn), Gabriel Smith, Hudson Smith, Hadassah Huehl (Jonah), Sharayah Smith, Karlene Smith; and great grandchildren Cooper Duskie, Parker Wilcoxson, Asher Smith, Byntlee Winkel, Cashius Smith, Breckyn Smith, Canaan Smith, Lennox Smith, Boevie Pryor, Kaman Tuggle, Dagan Smith, Kessler Winkel, Kailor Pryor, Rivalee Carter, Taysom Smith, Ender Smith, Rhettlynn Pryor, Santana Tuggle, Quaid Carter, Ezri Smith, Paiyzen Pryor, Granger Smith, Sutton Smith, Kylo Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Friday, August 1st at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City. Visitation will be Thursday, July 31st from 5-7 PM at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City with family present at that time. Rosary will start at 7 PM.  Memorials may be given to the Waconda Baseball Club.