Robert Smith

Robert “Bob” Smith, 81, passed away at 3:58 p.m.  on Thursday, January 16, 2020 surrounded by family.  He was born January 10, 1939 in East Alton, IL the youngest child of Ivan L. and Grace V. (Gentry) Smith.  He married Kathryn Hanfelder on October 3, 1959.  She preceded him in death on Easter Sunday 1993.  He married Susan G. Scoggins on August 5, 1994.  She preceded him in death on January 11, 2019.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ivan “Junior” Smith and a sister Marjorie Smith.  He graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School in 1957.  Bob was employed at McDonnell Douglas for 38 years where he worked on Project Mercury, Gemini, Skylab and various other space and missile programs.  He is survived by two sons Gregory Alan and his wife Sharon and Douglas Wayne and his wife Kathy.  He is survived by a brother Eugene Smith.  He is also survived by three stepdaughters, Victoria Waterman (David), Barbara Budny (Steven) and Rebecca Zebas (Timothy).  He was the proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren, Justin (Kristi), Kristin, Gavin, Adrienne (Mike), Preston, Drue (Jodie), Paige, Evan, Chloe, Ellie and Max and six great-grandchildren, Brayden, Gavin, Reese, Aliea, Rhett and Dax.  In accordance with his wishes his remains are to be cremated and laid to rest at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto, IL.  No formal services are to be held.  There will be a Celebration of Life luncheon on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. at the St. John United Church of Christ, 228 North 6^th Street in Wood River, IL.  Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com