Robert Gene “Bob” Smithy, 81, of Edina, Missouri formerly of Plevna, Missouri, passed away Friday, May 18, 2012, at the Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Missouri.
He was born on May 22, 1930 in Paris, Missouri and was adopted by his grandparents, Thomas Garrett and Julia Smithy.
Bob attended Campbell Rural School, northeast of Plevna, Missouri. On August 23, 1956, in Novelty, Missouri, Bob married Eula Faye Leckbee and they moved to Plevna, Missouri to raise their family.
Bob served his country during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany where he served as Medic and Mechanic. He worked in Quincy, Illinois, for the McSorley Quarry in Newark, Missouri, Taylor Trucking and Montague’s before purchasing his own truck. Before his health failed he had driven for L&S Trucking.
Bob loved trucking and sculpting his metal art. He could brag that he had artwork in Austria, had been published in magazines, books, and even had some in museums. Everyone had seen his art all over the country or possibly had purchased some.
He was a member of the Plevna Christian Church, serving as a deacon and and Sunday School Teacher in the 1970’s. Bob was also a member of the Plevna American Legion, Knox County American Legion and the Knox County VFW.
Bob is survived by a son, Rick Smithy and his fiancé Lora Jones of Kirksville, Missouri; two daughters, Barbara Faye and her husband Frank Crabtree Jr.of Edina, Missouri and Veronica Rae and her husband Robert Roush of Shelbina, Missouri; three grandchildren, Chris Roush and his wife Paula of Shelbina, Missouri, Jason Roush of Nebraska, and David Crabtree and his fiancé Kristin Grenwood of Columbia, Missouri, four great grandsons, Trey, Christopher, Caleb and Hunter Roush and a host of friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents; and his wife Faye Smithy on April 19, 2008.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 21, 2012, at the Doss Funeral Home in Edina, Missouri.
Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2008, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Edina, Missouri.
Bob Leckbee will officiate with music provided by Martha Marie Huse and Marsha Pinson. Honorary Bearers will be Chris Roush, David Crabtree, Jason Roush, Trey Roush, Adam Roush, and Sid Leckbee.
An expression of sympathy in memory of Bob Smithy may be left to the American Cancer Society. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Doss Funeral 208 N. 4th Street, Edina, Missouri 63537.
